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Portland is getting a new sports team. What should it be named?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 13:42 GMT by Oregonian
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Portland’s Latest Sports Franchise Seeks a Name – Community Call‑to‑Action

In a move that could become one of the city’s most enduring traditions, the Portland Sports Consortium has unveiled plans for a brand‑new professional franchise and is inviting the public to help christen it. The announcement—published on October 12, 2025, in The Oregonian’s “Soccer” section—tells readers that a fresh team will soon be joining the league, and that the final decision on its name will rest in the hands of Oregonians.

The New Franchise in Context

The team will compete in the United Soccer League (USL) Next Pro, the developmental tier that sits just below Major League Soccer (MLS). The league has been expanding steadily over the past decade, and Portland is the latest city to receive an expansion spot after a rigorous bidding process that highlighted the city’s long‑standing soccer culture, robust fan base, and strong municipal support.

According to the consortium, the franchise will be headquartered in the Pioneer Courthouse Square district, with a home stadium slated to open in 2027. In a brief statement, the team’s executive director, Maria Reyes, emphasized that the club will aim to “embed itself in the community, champion local youth talent, and bring world‑class soccer to the Pacific Northwest.” She also noted that the name will be chosen in a way that reflects Portland’s vibrant arts scene, environmental stewardship, and love of the outdoors.

How the Naming Process Works

The article outlines a three‑phase process that invites fans, local businesses, and even students to propose, debate, and vote on potential names.

1. Submission Phase – Starting today, the consortium’s online portal (linked in the article) will accept name suggestions from anyone with a zip code in the Portland metropolitan area. Each suggestion must include a short tagline and an explanation of how it ties into Portland’s identity. The portal also allows users to “like” or “dislike” other entries, creating a preliminary ranking system.

2. Public Review Phase – After the submission window closes on November 15, 2025, the consortium will publish the top 30 names (based on likes and votes) on its official website. Fans will then be able to comment, discuss, and refine the options. The article links to the Public Review Board page, which includes a FAQ section and a set of guidelines ensuring that proposed names do not infringe on trademarks or existing sports brands.

3. Final Vote – The top 10 names from the public review phase will be sent to the USL board and the City of Portland’s Office of Sports and Entertainment for final consideration. The consortium will then hold a live online poll on the 30th of the month, where residents can cast their final vote. The name that receives the highest number of votes will be announced on December 12, 2025, just ahead of the team’s inaugural season.

The article emphasizes that this process is not merely a marketing stunt; it is a deliberate effort to “give the community a sense of ownership and pride.” The consortium also cites precedent from the Portland Timbers, who adopted a fan‑chosen name in 2001 after a citywide naming contest, as well as the Oregon State Beavers, whose 1984 naming process is highlighted on the Oregon State University Athletics site.

Community Involvement and Funding

In addition to the naming contest, the consortium is launching a crowdfunding initiative aimed at raising $2 million in community sponsorships. The Fund Our Future page (linked in the article) details how contributions will be used to enhance stadium facilities, expand youth development programs, and support local nonprofits. A small percentage of the funds will also go toward a Naming Rights Fund, ensuring that the chosen name will carry a lasting legacy.

The consortium is also partnering with the Portland Youth Soccer Association to hold a series of workshops where students can draft name proposals. The article quotes a representative from the association who said, “We’re thrilled to give our young athletes a chance to be part of something historic.”

What’s Next?

Once the name is finalized, the team will begin recruiting a coaching staff and roster in early 2026. A “Name Reveal” event is slated for January 25, 2026, featuring a live broadcast, local musicians, and a tour of the new training facility. The event will be streamed on the USL’s official YouTube channel and will be streamed locally by The Oregonian.

For more details on how to submit your name, view the top contenders, or donate to the community fund, readers can visit the links provided throughout the article. The official consortium website is also a hub for updates, including a newsletter signup and a dedicated “Ask Us Anything” live chat session.

Why It Matters

Portland has long been a city that loves its sports, from the Timbers and Timbers Women to the Pioneers baseball and the Stingers basketball. Yet, it has never had a professional soccer club that is both rooted in the community and open to its residents from day one. The naming contest is more than a gimmick; it’s a strategic step toward building a fan base that feels genuinely invested in the team’s identity.

By engaging the public in a transparent, democratic process, the consortium hopes to lay a foundation of trust and excitement that will carry the franchise through its first season and beyond. Whether you’re a lifelong soccer enthusiast, a Portland entrepreneur, or a high school student dreaming of professional sports, your voice will be heard.

Call to Action – Submit your name now, vote for your favorites, and be part of Portland’s newest sporting legend. The portal is live, the deadline is looming, and the city’s future on the field is in your hands.