The 2023 WNBA draft is underway. Amidst the transfer news, there have been discussions about the expansion of the league to new destinations. However, one of the popular headlines was taking the professional league back to Portland after two decades. Sadly, the efforts fell apart on Wednesday as the WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert refused to recognize Portland as a suitable venue.

WNBA has successfully taken American basketball to new heights. Its craze and popularity among fans have magnified with each season. Following this, there have been demands for its expansion. As a result, there were talks about the return of women?s basketball to Portland after 20 years. But this initiative has resulted in a dead-end.

Cathy Engelbert decides against Portland’s expansion

While announcing her decision, commissioner Cathy has penned a letter to restructure Moda Center which happens to be the home ground for the Trail Blazers. Opening more about it, she said, “Anticipated to take place during consecutive summers, I had led to the decision to hold off on expanding to Portland. Until the timing and scope of arena improvements are settled.”

The WNBA officials paid a visit to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum earlier in 2023. The purpose of the visit was to examine the 63-year-old structure. Hence, they tried to find out whether it could fulfill all the parameters for an ideal location for the franchise on a temporary basis. According to the sources, there was even an approach toward giving the Portland-owned building a complete makeover.

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In addition to this, Engelbert participated in a rally in February this year in Portland. Apparently, she was approached by several sports leaders who expressed their desire to consider Portland as the 14th franchise in the league.

What do the fans think about this decision?

Everyone was obviously excited to welcome the WNBA to yet another destination. But following the announcement, fans are having different reactions to the entire situation. Most of the fans are not happy and reacting in a similar manner like, “We don?t ever get nice things. This sucks.” and “Why can?t we just have nice things?”

On the other hand, some followers are supporting the decision and commenting, “It makes total sense. I wouldn?t want to bring a team in and have them play their inaugural season at a temporary facility.”

Other fans are showing their disapproval by simply making thumbs-down emoji. While others are asking if the facility at Portland not being good enough — “Is the gym at Portland State too small?

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After involving themselves in all this hype, Portland fans are left disappointed. They were looking forward to welcoming the WNBA this season.