Former Portland and Seattle coach Lin Dunn is thrilled but not surprised by the WNBA's return to Portland. Dunn, a 78-year-old consultant for the Indiana Fever, expressed her excitement about attending the May 30 game between Indiana and the revived Portland Fire. Dunn played a pivotal role in women's basketball in the late '90s and early 2000s, coaching the Portland Power in the American Basketball League and later leading the Seattle Storm to WNBA greatness. She believes Portland is a natural fit for a WNBA team, and is eager to see the city's support for women's sports, including softball, soccer, and basketball. Dunn's time in Portland was memorable, as she helped the Power turn around a tough start and made a lasting impact on the city's basketball scene. The return of the Fire in 2026 will reignite the rivalry with Seattle, and Dunn is looking forward to the passion of the fans on both sides. Despite the Fire's hiatus since 2002, Dunn is confident that professional women's basketball will thrive in Portland once again. And with the addition of Sylvia Fowles as an assistant coach, the Fire are set to make a strong comeback.
