Portland's WNBA franchise is months away from taking the court, but that hasn't stopped it from being embroiled in drama, however.
The unnamed franchise shocked W followers by sacking its recently hired president, Inky Son, on Thursday.
Son's unceremonious exit comes following months of uncertainty regarding the franchise's direction. That sentiment is unlikely to die down in the weeks to come. Here's what you need to know.
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Why did Portland's WNBA team fire its team president?
Portland's decision to part ways with Son, widely seen as a rising star in the sporting world, came as a shock to many. Son's ouster comes less than three months after she was hired as the franchise's first employee and just 10 months before the franchise plays its first game.
No reason was given for Son's sacking, but The Oregonian's Bill Oram reported that the team's "rocky rollout" made for serious "growing pains." Portland's WNBA launch is widely considered to be far behind schedule, especially in comparison to fellow expansion franchise, the Toronto Tempo.
According to Oram, there's hope across the organization that Son's departure can spur sibling co-owners Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal into action. Portland remains without a general manager and only recently began hiring support staff.
Who is Inky Son?
A South Korea native and Georgetown business school graduate, Son's hiring breathed excitement into the budding franchise. She spent eight years as an administrative officer in the National Basketball Players Association. Son also spent time working in the Major League Baseball Players Association.
Among Son's responsibilities as team president, she was slated to appoint the team's first head of basketball operations, It's unclear who that task will fall upon.
“We are thrilled to welcome Inky to our team,” said Bhathal Merage in a release announcing Son's hire in April. “Inky’s proven track record of transforming organizations, her strategic mindset, and her passion for our mission make her the ideal person to build a solid foundation for our franchise and reaffirm Portland as the global epicenter of women’s sports."
MORE: When will Toronto, Portland, Cleveland teams join WNBA?
What is Portland WNBA team's name?
With 10 months before its WNBA debut, Portland's franchise still doesn't have a name—at least not officially. Last week, the WNBA filed several trademarks for the "Portland Fire," a revival of the moniker of the WNBA team that played in the city from 2000-03.
Portland is expected to launch its official brand on July 15.
Who are Portland WNBA team's owners?
Portland's WNBA team is owned by siblings Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. They are the heirs of swimwear company Raj Manufacturing, founded by their father, Raj Bhathal.
Raj Bhathal is part of the ownership group that holds majority stake in the Sacramento Kings.