Portland WNBA franchise reportedly fires president Inky Son
The WNBA’s Portland franchise has reportedly made a major move by firing its president, Inky Son, just three weeks before the team is set to launch its brand. Son’s dismissal was due to significant “growing pains” and a “rocky” rollout, as reported by The Oregonian.
On June 20, the WNBA Portland X account hinted at an upcoming announcement by posting the date of July 15, possibly indicating the reveal of the team’s official name. The decision to let go of Son has raised questions about the future of the expansion team.
Son was appointed as the first employee of the WNBA’s Portland franchise on April 1. Prior to joining the team, she served as the chief administrative officer for the National Basketball Players Association. In a statement released when she was hired, Son expressed her excitement about bringing a WNBA franchise back to Portland, a city known for its love of basketball and support for women’s sports.
Mike Whitehead, managing director of RAJ Sports, the parent company of the Portland WNBA franchise, initially expressed confidence in Son’s abilities when she was hired. He believed that her leadership would drive the team to new heights and make a lasting impact in Portland and across the WNBA.
Son’s responsibilities included overseeing all aspects of the business, such as marketing, ticket and sponsorship sales, community relations, finance, legal, and human resources. Despite her dismissal, Son’s initial vision for the team was focused on creating a winning environment for players, staff, and fans of Portland.
The WNBA has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Son’s reported departure. The decision to part ways with the president just weeks before the team’s launch has left fans and observers eager to see what the future holds for the Portland franchise.
As the team prepares to make its debut, there is a sense of anticipation and uncertainty surrounding the leadership changes. Fans will have to wait and see how the Portland franchise navigates these challenges and carves out its place in the competitive world of women’s basketball.
