Portland’s women’s basketball roots run deeper than many fans realize. Years before the WNBA arrived, the Portland Power were making history, battling through coaching changes, star-studded seasons, and the sudden collapse of an entire league. With professional women’s basketball returning to the city, this forgotten era is finally getting its moment back in the spotlight.
As the Portland Fire get ready to rejoin the WNBA in 2026, longtime women’s basketball fans are revisiting Portland’s earlier professional teams. While many remember the Fire’s short run from 2000 to 2002, fewer recall that Portland already had a strong presence in women’s pro basketball years before that chapter began.
Before the WNBA took center stage, the Portland Power competed in the American Basketball League throughout the league’s entire existence. The team played its home games at Memorial Coliseum and became a key part of Portland’s basketball identity during the late 1990s.
1996–1997 Season
The Power’s inaugural season was guided by head coach Greg Bruce, who previously spent a decade leading the Portland State women’s basketball program and compiled an impressive 199–89 record with the Vikings. Portland struggled early, opening the season with a 5–17 record, and Bruce was dismissed in January 1997. Assistant coach Lin Dunn stepped in and steadied the team, guiding the Power to a 9–9 finish over the remainder of the season. Despite the improvement, Portland finished last in the Western Conference and did not qualify for the playoffs. Individually, Natalie Williams stood out with an All-ABL First Team selection after averaging 17.3 points and 12.5 rebounds per game, while Stacey Ford and Michelle Marciniak provided consistent scoring support.
1997–1998 Season
Portland made significant roster upgrades ahead of the next season, adding Sylvia Crawley and DeLisha Milton-Jones. The strengthened lineup allowed Natalie Williams to elevate her game even further, as she averaged 21.9 points and 11.5 rebounds per contest and earned ABL Most Valuable Player honors. Williams dominated the league, leading in scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage, and blocked shots. Elaine Powell also played a key role, contributing 12.3 points and 3.7 assists per game. The Power completed a dramatic turnaround, finishing 27–17, capturing the Western Conference title, and advancing to the ABL semifinals, where their run ended against the Long Beach Stingrays. Lin Dunn’s impact was recognized with ABL Coach of the Year honors.
1998–1999 Season
Momentum carried into the following season, as Portland opened with a strong 9–4 record and surged into first place in the Western Conference after a five-game winning streak. However, the season came to an abrupt and unexpected halt on December 22, 1998, when the ABL declared bankruptcy midseason. With no warning, league operations ceased, and players from the ABL’s nine teams soon transitioned to the WNBA. At the time of the shutdown, Natalie Williams ranked near the top of the league in scoring, rebounding, and shooting efficiency. Katy Steding led the ABL in three-point shooting percentage, while Sonja Henning finished second in assists, highlighting the depth and talent that defined the Portland Power’s final c pihapter.
