Cardoso Dominates as Sky Ruin Portland Fire’s Long-Awaited WNBA Return.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Kamilla Cardoso delivered a dominant performance with 22 points and 14 rebounds as the Chicago Sky spoiled the expansion Portland Fire’s long-awaited home opener with a 98-83 victory Saturday night at Moda Center. The game marked the return of WNBA basketball to Portland for the first time in 24 years, and an energized crowd welcomed the league back with enthusiasm from opening tip to final buzzer. Portland stayed competitive early, trailing just 19-18 after the first quarter, but Chicago steadily took control behind efficient scoring and strong rebounding. The Sky closed the first half on a surge to build a 50-37 lead at intermission. The Fire showed resilience coming out of halftime. A 12-2 run, highlighted by back-to-back 3-pointers from Bridget Carleton, helped Portland erase the deficit and tie the game at 70 midway through the fourth quarter. But Chicago quickly answered, regaining momentum and pulling away down the stretch. Skylar Diggins added 21 points and 11 rebounds for Chicago, which enters the season with a dramatically revamped roster after finishing 10-24 a year ago. Only four players from last season’s squad remain following several offseason moves, including the trade of Angel Reese to Atlanta in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028.

Veteran guard Natasha Cloud, one of Chicago’s key offseason additions, missed the opener because of illness. For Portland, Carla Leite led the way with 18 points. She also scored the first basket in franchise history after the Fire’s revival, converting a layup just over a minute into the game to a roar from the home crowd. The Fire, one of the league’s youngest teams, are reviving a franchise name that previously existed from 2000 to 2002 before the original team folded. Chicago continues its four-game road trip Wednesday against the Golden State Valkyries, while Portland remains home to face the defending champion New York Liberty on Tuesday night.