USL W LEAGUE EXPANDS TO PORTLAND WITH CHERRYBOMBS FC
Punk-Inspired Women's Soccer Team to Launch Inaugural Season in May 2026
PORTLAND, OR – The USL W League continues its rapid expansion into the Pacific Northwest with today's announcement of Portland Cherry Bombs FC, a fierce, independent women's soccer team that channels the city's riot grrrl legacy into pre-professional sports. The club will kick off its inaugural season in May 2026, bringing the same energy and community-first ethos that defined the sold-out success of Portland Bangers FC to women's soccer.
Founded by COLLiDE Sport, Cherry Bombs FC marks the organization's fourth team, joining the Portland Pickles (baseball), Portland Bangers FC (USL League Two), and Lake County Captains (Minor League Baseball) in a growing portfolio of teams that prioritize creativity, inclusion, and authentic community connection.
“We built the Cherry Bombs to embody everything that makes Portland electric, fearlesscreativity, unapologetic individuality, and the belief that sports can be a canvas for culture,” said Alan Miller, President of COLLiDE. “This team isn’t just joining the W League, it’s detonating a new era for women’s soccer in the Northwest.”
The Cherry Bombs name pays homage to The Runaways' 1976 anthem "Cherry Bomb" and the riot grrrl movement that defined 1990s Portland, where bands like Sleater-Kinney, Bikini Kill, and Bratmobile used music as a vehicle for empowerment and raw creativity. The team carries that same brash, unapologetic spirit into the soccer pitch.
“We’re thrilled to see the Cherry Bombs come to life. The brand embodies the passion, creativity and edge that reflects the mission of this team while honoring the trailblazers who came before it.” said Joel Nash, SVP Youth & Pre-Professional of USL.
Cherry Bombs FC is built on four core values: Radically Inclusive (welcoming fans and players from all backgrounds), Rooted in Community (supporting local artists and businesses), Creative Rebellion (embracing DIY ethos), and Player Empowerment (celebrating athletes as whole people on and off the field).
The team's debut will run from May through July 2026, with home venue and schedule details to be announced. Season ticket deposits are now available at www.portlandcherrybombs.com.
LLOYD CENTER TAKEOVER – NOVEMBER 4
The official launch celebration begins at 4:00 PM today at Lloyd Center, with a press conference at 4:30 PM featuring COLLiDE President Alan Miller, Cherry Bombs owner and Seahawks legend Jon Ryan, Cherry Bombs General Manager Courtney Schmidt, and additional special guests. The one-day activation transforms Lloyd Center into the epicenter of Portland culture, with live music, merchandise, and opportunities to connect with the Cherry Bombs community.
The team mascot, Mary T. Cherry, and our club’s kit + amazing kit partner will be unveiled in 2026 as the club approaches its first season. For more information, visit portlandcherrybombs.com or follow @CherryBombsFC on social media.
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About COLLiDE:
COLLiDE is a creative incubator and marketing agency that owns and operates a family of companies across sports and entertainment. Our properties include the Portland Pickles (West Coast League), Lake County Captains (High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians), Portland Bangers FC (USL League Two), Official League (premium lifestyle and apparel brand), and COLLiDE Agency (marketing and creative services). We push culture forward by blending sports, music, and creativity — guided by authenticity, fearlessness, community, and imagination.
About USL W:
The United Soccer League (USL) is the largest professional soccer organization in North America, possessing decades of experience in bringing the world’s game to communities across the United States and Canada. Overseeing three men's leagues (USL Championship, USL League One, USL League Two), two women's leagues (Gainbridge Super League, USL W League), one elite player development platform (USL Academy), and a national youth platform (USL Youth), the USL is built on a proven and recognized model in international football and counts more than 200 clubs in its membership.
