**WNBA Portland Franchise President Inky Son Dismissed Ahead of Launch**
**Meta Description:** Inky Son, president of the WNBA’s Portland franchise, has been fired just weeks before the team’s launch, amid reported challenges in the rollout.
**URL Slug:** wnba-portland-franchise-president-fired
**Headline:** Inky Son Fired as President of WNBA Portland Franchise Just Weeks Before Launch
The WNBA’s Portland franchise has reportedly terminated the employment of its president, Inky Son, just three weeks ahead of the team’s anticipated launch. This decision follows reports of significant “growing pains” and a “rocky” rollout, as detailed by The Oregonian.
On June 20, the WNBA Portland X account hinted at an upcoming announcement by posting a countdown to July 15, which many speculate may reveal the team’s official name. The WNBA has yet to respond to inquiries regarding Son’s dismissal.
Inky Son was appointed as the first employee of the Portland franchise on April 1. Before her role in Portland, she served as the chief administrative officer for the National Basketball Players Association. Upon her hiring, Son expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to reintroduce a WNBA franchise to Portland, a city known for its passion for basketball and support for women’s sports. “I am honored to be in a position like this to further the women’s game, and I look forward to creating a winning environment for our future players, our staff, and the fans of Portland,” she stated.
Mike Whitehead, managing director of RAJ Sports, the parent company of the Portland WNBA franchise, had previously expressed confidence in Son’s leadership. “As the very first employee of the organization, Inky will lay the groundwork for our future growth, and we are confident her leadership will drive the franchise to new heights, creating a lasting impact both in Portland and across the WNBA,” he remarked in April.
Son’s role encompassed overseeing all facets of the business, including marketing, ticket and sponsorship sales, community relations, finance, legal, and human resources.
As the franchise moves forward, the implications of this leadership change will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders alike.
**FAQ:**
**What led to Inky Son’s dismissal from the WNBA Portland franchise?**
Inky Son was reportedly fired due to significant challenges and “growing pains” in the rollout of the franchise, just weeks before its official launch.
