Clare Hamill: Coming Out of Retirement to Lead the Return of Portland’s WNBA Franchise

Clare Hamill, Interim President of the Portland Fire, spent four decades helping to shape women’s sports, athletes, and brands around the world at Nike. Just when she thought she was retired, the opportunity to build something historic pulled her back in: the return of Portland’s WNBA franchise, the Portland Fire. In this episode, Clare joins Karina to share why she came out of retirement for this moment, what it takes to bring back a professional team and brand, and the leadership lessons she’ll carry from her career into this next chapter. She also reflects on her work creating the WIN (Women in Nike) program, which helps WNBA players transition into life and careers beyond the court. From decades spent elevating women athletes on the global stage to shaping the future of women’s basketball in Portland, Clare offers candid insights on purpose, resilience, and the power of saying yes when the right opportunity comes along. Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.