Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx legend Sylvia Fowles is widely regarded one of the greatest WNBA players of all time. She has the accolades to back up that claim, having won two championships and a regular season MVP award during her career.
Fowles played 15 seasons in the WNBA and established himself as one of the most dominant defensive forces in the league. She is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year and led the league twice in blocks and three rebounds.
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Last September, Fowles was also inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall Fame, alongside other hoops legends such as Maya Moore, Sue Bird, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard.
Team Stewart guard Sue Bird (right) and Team Wilson center Sylvia Fowles (left) receive flowers. David Banks-Imagn Images
Now, three years after calling it a career in 2022, Fowles is back in the WNBA. This time, not as a player, but as a coach.
On Monday, the Portland Fire – one of two new expansion franchises set to debut in 2026 – officially announced that they had hired Fowles as an assistant coach under Alex Sarama.
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“It’s official,” the team wrote while sharing a photo of Fowles. It also included a graphic showing Fowles’ career accomplishments before adding “Assistant Coach” to the list.
“A new chapter. Welcome to Portland,” the team added.
Sure enough, fans have expressed excitement for his return and addition to the Fire, especially with his reputation as a defensive icon.
“Ahhhhh let’s go!! So exciting! What a hire and welcome to Portland @sylvia_fowles! It’s time to make more players legends like you,” one fan wrote. Another said: “Let’s go Coach Fowles!! I hope you all get some good post players in the draft.”
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“Great coaching,” added one fan.
One supporter wrote in disbelief: “What??!!! Starting with a LEGEND??!”
“What a hire. WNBA legend. Welcome to Portland,” one follower remarked.
The Fire haven’t put together their roster yet, but once the expansion draft rolls around and they have the players selected, it will certainly be interesting to see the frontcourt they build with Fowles’ help.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on December 23, 2025, where he first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as Favorite source by clicking here.
