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Wnbas Portland -franchise allegedly fired his president, Inky Son, just three weeks before the team is expected to launch his brand.
Son’s dismissal came as a result of significant “growing pain” and a “rocky” rollout, Oregonian reported Friday.
On June 20, the WNBA Portland X account announced the date of July 15 and said a countdown was on, which potentially refers to the announcement of the team’s official name.
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WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert poses for a photo with the Bhathal family during a press conference announcing that Portland has been awarded a WNBA franchise 18 September 2024 at Moda Center in Portland, Ore. (Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
WNBA did not immediately respond to Pakinomist Digital’s request for comment on SON’s reported dismissal.
Son was hired on April 1 as the first employee of WNBA’s Portland franchise. Before coming to Portland, Son Chief was an administrative officer for the National Basketball Players Association.
“This is a great opportunity to help bring a WNBA franchise back to Portland, a city that loves basketball and has already been found to be supported by women’s sports,” Son said in a statement when she was hired.
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Moda Center in Portland, Ore., September 18, 2024. (Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
“I am honored to be in a position like this to promote women’s games, and I look forward to creating a winning environment for our future players, our staff and fans of Portland.”
Mike Whitehead, CEO of Raj Sports, the parent company of Portland WNBA -franchise, expressed confidence in the son after she was hired.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage make up for a photo during a news conference announcing Portland as a WNBA Experience Franchise 18 September 2024, at Moda Center in Portland, Ore. (Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
“As the very first employee of the organization, Inky will lay the basis for our future growth, and we are convinced that her leadership will lead the franchise to new heights, creating a lasting impact both in Portland and over WNBA,” Whitehead said in a statement in April after Son was hired.
Son’s responsibility was to oversee all aspects of the company, including marketing, ticket and sponsorship sales, social relations, finances, legal and human resources.
