This past week the Women's National Basketball Association Portland expansion team announced it will be known as the Portland Fire, the Colisee revealed the North American Hockey League's Maine Nordiques will not return to the arena next season, and the Northern Super League stated its Final will take place at BMO Field in Toronto on November 15th.
Highlights from this week come from the Women's National Basketball Association, North American Hockey League, ECHL, Professional Women's Hockey League, Northern Super League, Major League Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, International League, Pacific Coast League, Women's Pro Baseball League, Canadian Football League, Indoor Football League, European League of Football, Premier Lacrosse League, and Ultimate Frisbee Association.
BASKETBALL
Women's National Basketball Association
Portland's WNBA expansion team proudly unveils its new name and brand identity: the Portland Fire. Based in the global epicenter of women's sports, the Portland Fire is rooted in the resilience, spirit, and passion for sport that defines the Rose City. A team reborn, the Portland Fire marks the revival of a movement. Rooted in the identity and energy of Portland, the Portland Fire brand is bold and modern with a nod to its history. The new brand reflects unapologetic determination and city pride, with every element - from the custom logo and commanding typography to the Fire Red, Brown, Blue, and Pink palette - evoking the power, grit, calm, and creativity that defines the team. "As a city that has long championed women's sports, Portland is ready to reclaim its place in the WNBA and reignite its connection to the game on the world stage," said Clare Hamill, Portland Fire Interim President. "We are thrilled to complete the journey of bringing professional women's basketball back to the Rose City, while honoring the legacy of the original franchise to blaze a new, bold path forward.
Napheesa Collier sets the record for most points scored in the WNBA All-Star Game as he scores 36 PTS on 13-16 FG in a 151-131 win over Team Clark.
Watch as Sabrina Ionescu drops 30 points in the final round of the 2025 WNBA All-Star 3-point Contest to defeat reigning champ Allisha Gray.
NBA G League
The Salt Lake City Stars, the official NBA G League affiliate of the Utah Jazz, have introduced a new era of branding, unveiling a refreshed visual identity that aligns the team's look with its NBA counterpart while honoring the legacy of the Utah Stars, a championship-winning team whose history began in 1970 in the ABA. The rebrand includes a series of new logos and a unified color palette of Mountain Purple, Sky Blue, and Midnight Black, matching the Jazz's "Mountain Basketball" concept; an initiative that celebrates Utah's passion for basketball, its vibrant and growing community, and the influence of the state's mountainous landscape. The reimagined primary logo is a modern interpretation of the original Utah Stars design, with the team name shooting across a purple basketball. A new secondary mark, a sleek shooting star, symbolizes the upward trajectory of G League athletes and the Stars' core role in player development. Additional marks include a circular crest and a horizontal wordmark, both built around the iconic star symbol and designed to mirror elements of the Jazz brand.
HOCKEY
North American Hockey League
Maine Nordiques face thousands of dollars in debt, will not return to Lewiston Colisee
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League, in conjunction with the Minnesota Wild and the United Heroes League, announced that the AHL's Iowa Wild and Milwaukee Admirals will participate in a regular-season outdoor game as part of the 20th annual Hockey Day Minnesota presented by United Healthcare. The eight-day, statewide hockey celebration will feature an outdoor professional hockey game for the first time, as Iowa and Milwaukee face off at the United Heroes League complex in Hastings, Minn., on Friday, January 23. It will be the 13th outdoor game in AHL history. "Hockey Day Minnesota is an iconic celebration of hockey and community spirit," said Scott Howson, American Hockey League President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are thrilled and honored to be part of this year's event in Hastings."
ECHL
The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Calgary Flames, announced they have agreed to terms on a multi-year affiliation extension. The agreement will keep the Rush partnered with the Calgary Flames (NHL) and the Calgary Wranglers (AHL). "The Rush and Flames have had an excellent relationship, and we are excited to continue that," said Dave Smith, Rush Head Coach and General Manager. "The communication has been great. It is all about the progression of each player's skills in a championship-type environment where they are working on their game, while also helping to provide Rapid City with the tools we need to win."