FOX 12 Plus Will Become The Home of the Portland Fire and Portland Thorns With New Focus On Women?s Sports

Why It Matters

The deal boosts regional visibility for women’s professional sports and creates a multiplatform model that could set a benchmark for future women's sports broadcasting.

Key Takeaways

• FOX 12 Plus becomes broadcast home for Fire and Thorns
• Fire adds Kiswe-powered streaming platform for live games
• Dual‑sport performance center launching 2026 for women athletes
• Gray Media partners with RAJ Sports to elevate women’s sports
• Thorns retain league‑leading attendance, expanding TV coverage

Pulse Analysis

Portland has long positioned itself as a national hub for women’s athletics, and the new partnership with Gray Media solidifies that reputation. By designating KPDX (FOX 12 Plus) as the exclusive broadcast home for both the Fire and the Thorns, the teams gain consistent, over‑the‑air exposure that reaches a broad regional audience. The collaboration also taps Raycom Sports’ production expertise, ensuring high‑quality telecasts, pre‑ and post‑game analysis, and community‑focused storytelling that deepen fan engagement.

Beyond traditional TV, the Fire’s partnership with Kiswe introduces a dedicated streaming platform that blends interactive live‑game features with exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content. Kiswe’s technology enables real‑time fan interaction, multi‑camera angles, and integrated social experiences, turning passive viewers into active participants. This digital‑first approach not only expands the Fire’s reach to cord‑cutters but also creates new revenue streams through subscription tiers, sponsorship integrations, and data‑driven advertising opportunities.

The broader implications for the sports media landscape are significant. A multiplatform model that unites broadcast, streaming, and original programming sets a precedent for how women’s sports can achieve parity with male‑dominated leagues. Coupled with the upcoming dual‑sport performance center, the initiative promises enhanced athlete development, community activation, and lucrative partnership prospects for brands eager to associate with the growing women’s sports market. As advertisers and investors watch, Portland’s integrated strategy may become a blueprint for other markets seeking to elevate women’s sports visibility and profitability.