Portland’s expansion WNBA franchise parts with president

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Portland’s new WNBA team parted ways with its president less than three months after hiring her.

After the Oregonian reported that the expansion franchise fired team president Inky Son, ownership group RAJ Sports released a joint statement with Son saying that she “has decided to leave the organization.”

The Sports Business Journal reported that former Nike executive Clare Hamill has been hired as the interim president.

Son came to Portland following a tenure as the National Basketball Players Association’s chief administrative officer. The team announced her hiring on April 1.

“During her brief but impactful tenure, Son helped lay the foundation for the franchise’s presence in Portland, shaping its early business operations and community engagement efforts,” the statement said. “Son will return to New York, where she was previously based, and the organization thanks her for her leadership during this important phase and wishes her success in her next chapter.”

The Oregonian reported there were significant “growing pains” behind the scenes that may have contributed to Son’s departure.

WNBA Portland has yet to reveal its team identity, hinting that it will do so July 15. The franchise has yet to hire a general manager.

Portland will be joining the WNBA next season at the same time as another expansion franchise in Toronto. That team already announced its identity, the Toronto Tempo.

Hamill played basketball at New Hampshire and spent 43 years at Nike, serving in various capacities including VP and GM of Nike Women’s.

–Field Level Media