
Portland's WNBA expansion team fires team president just two months into tenure: report
The WNBA's Portland franchise reportedly fired its president, Inky Son, just three weeks before the team is expected to launch its brand.
Son's dismissal came as a result of significant "growing pains" and a "rocky" rollout, The Oregonian reported Friday.
On June 20, the WNBA Portland X account posted the date of July 15, saying a countdown was on, potentially alluding to the announcement of the team's official name.
The WNBA did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment about Son's reported dismissal.
Son was hired April 1 as the first employee of the WNBA's Portland franchise. Prior to joining Portland, Son was the chief administrative officer for the National Basketball Players Association.
"This is an amazing opportunity to help bring back a WNBA franchise to Portland, a city that loves basketball and has already shown itself to be supportive of women's sports," Son said in a statement when she was hired.
"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."
Mike Whitehead, managing director of RAJ Sports, the parent company of the Portland WNBA franchise, expressed confidence in Son after she was hired.
"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," Whitehead said in a statement in April after Son was hired.
Son's responsibilities were to oversee all aspects of the business, including marketing, ticket and sponsorship sales, community relations, finance, legal and human resources.
Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Associated Press
8 minutes ago
- Associated Press
AOFAR Officially Launches GX6: The Top Budget Rechargeable Golf Rangefinder for 2025
NEW YORK, June 28, 2025 /CNW/ -- AOFAR today announced the release of the GX6 Golf Rangefinder, a leading choice for golfers seeking the best rechargeable golf rangefinder. The GX6 offers slope-adjusted distance, ultra-fast 0.02-second flag lock, a powerful magnetic cart mount, and modern USB-C rechargeable power, bringing high-end features to budget-conscious players. Weighing only 162g, the GX6 is one of the lightest golf rangefinders in its class, providing a comfortable and intuitive experience on the course. Its advanced optics deliver crisp visuals at 7× magnification with slope mode that can be toggled for tournament play. The built-in N52-grade magnetic mount allows golfers to securely attach the device to carts or clubs for fast, convenient access. The GX6's USB-C rechargeable battery delivers up to 12,000 distance measurements on a single charge, offering superior convenience and cost-efficiency compared to traditional battery-powered rangefinders. It's a 0.02-second flag lock with vibration feedback that ensures quick, accurate yardages, a must-have for faster-paced rounds. 'The GX6 delivers exceptional value for golfers looking to upgrade their gear in 2025,' said an AOFAR CEO, Mr Ding. 'It combines speed, lightweight design, rechargeable convenience, and tournament-ready accuracy — all for under $70. It's ideal for casual golfers, beginners, or anyone moving up from older battery-powered models.' Priced at just $69, the AOFAR GX6 Rechargeable Golf Rangefinder is now available on Amazon US and About AOFAR AOFAR is a global brand specializing in laser rangefinders and precision optics. From golfers to hunters and outdoor explorers, AOFAR delivers pro-grade performance at an accessible price. Learn more at Media Contact: Marketing director: Kris Ding Email: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE AOFAR


Associated Press
8 minutes ago
- Associated Press
The Boxery Launches Customizable Boxes to Ship, Tailored for Small Business Needs
The Boxery launches customizable boxes to ship, enabling small businesses to create branded packaging at low costs. 'Small businesses can now use our customizable boxes to ship to strengthen their brand identity affordably, creating memorable unboxing moments.' — CEO NY, UNITED STATES, June 28, 2025 / / -- The Boxery , a trusted leader in packaging solutions, today unveiled its new line of customizable shipping boxes explicitly designed for small businesses. Launched to empower e-commerce entrepreneurs and retailers, these boxes to ship combine affordability, durability, and personalized branding to elevate customer experiences and drive brand loyalty in a competitive market. With the global e-commerce market projected to reach $8.1 trillion by 2026, small businesses face increasing pressure to stand out. The Boxery's customizable boxes address this challenge by offering tailored packaging solutions that transform standard shipping into a powerful marketing tool. Available through the company's 'Box Bargains' section and custom packaging services, these boxes enable small businesses to print logos, vibrant designs, or personalized messages at wholesale prices, ensuring high-quality branding without incurring significant costs. Elevate your small business with The Boxery's boxes to ship. Visit to create a memorable unboxing experience that keeps customers coming back! 'Our customizable boxes to ship are a game-changer for small businesses looking to make a lasting impression,' said the CEO of The Boxery. 'We've been serving businesses for over 20 years, and we understand that affordable, high-quality packaging can turn a one-time buyer into a loyal customer. These boxes are designed to help entrepreneurs compete with big brands.' The Boxery's new offering comes at a critical time. According to a 2024 Ipsos survey, 72% of consumers say that packaging design influences their purchasing decisions, and 80% are more likely to buy from brands that offer personalized experiences. The Boxery's boxes meet these demands with features that cater to small business needs: - Flexible Customization: Choose from one-color logos to full-color designs, printed on sturdy corrugated cardboard or lightweight poly mailers. - Wide Range of Sizes: With over 1,000 box sizes, we ensure a perfect fit for products, reducing waste and shipping costs. - Eco-Friendly Options: Made with over 80% recycled materials, the boxes are curbside recyclable, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. - Bulk Discounts: Affordable pricing and same-day shipping make it easy for businesses to scale operations. These features align with 2025 packaging trends, where unboxing experiences drive social media engagement. A 2024 Forbes report notes that 55% of U.S. online shoppers subscribe to at least one product box, highlighting the demand for memorable packaging. The Boxery's customizable boxes are designed to create shareable moments, with options for window cut-outs or QR codes linking to promotions, turning deliveries into interactive experiences. Small business owner Maria Lopez, who runs an online boutique, shared her experience: 'The Boxery's customizable boxes have transformed my brand. My customers love the vibrant logo on their packages, and I've seen a 30% increase in repeat orders since switching to these boxes. They're affordable, and the quality is unmatched.' The Boxery, headquartered in New York, has built a reputation for reliability, offering a vast inventory of packaging supplies, including corrugated boxes, mailers, and bubble wrap. With warehouses strategically located across the U.S., the company ensures fast delivery, often shipping orders within 24 hours. Its commitment to sustainability—using biodegradable, locally produced corrugated boxes—further strengthens its appeal to environmentally conscious businesses. The launch also addresses the growing demand for cost-effective branding solutions. Small businesses, often constrained by tight budgets, can leverage The Boxery's wholesale pricing to access premium packaging typically reserved for larger retailers. By offering custom printing without minimum order quantities, The Boxery removes barriers, enabling startups to compete in the $393 billion packaging market. About The Boxery The Boxery is a premier packaging supplier based in New York, specializing in high-quality shipping boxes, mailers, and supplies for businesses and individuals. Founded over 20 years ago, the company is committed to affordability, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, offering over 1,000 box sizes and eco-friendly solutions. Owner of The Boxery The Boxery +1 877-826-9379 email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.


Associated Press
8 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Volleyball Summer Hitting Camp in South Florida Now Enrolling Ages 13–17
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, UNITED STATES, June 28, 2025 / / -- Fort Lauderdale United Volleyball (FL United VB) is excited to open registration for its Summer Hitting Training Sessions, a targeted program designed to help athletes ages 13 to 17 build power, precision, and confidence at the net. These small-group sessions are perfect for beginner and intermediate players ready to elevate their offensive skills in a focused, supportive environment. Led by FL United VB's experienced club coaches, each session offers step-by-step instruction and high-quality reps that break down every phase of the attack—helping athletes develop stronger approaches, cleaner arm swings, and smarter shot selection. With limited capacity and hands-on coaching, this is one of the most effective ways to improve your hitting game this summer. Program Overview Summer Hitting Training Sessions - Ages: 13–17 - Location: FTL UTD Training Facilities 7601 SW 39th St., Davie, FL - Days: Mondays & Wednesdays - Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Training Dates: - June 30 & July 2 - July 7 & July 9 - July 21 & July 23 - July 28 & July 30 Capacity: Maximum 20 athletes per court to ensure personal attention. What We'll Train - Approach Footwork: Master proper 3-step and 4-step approach patterns for better timing and power. - Arm Swing Mechanics: Build a strong, safe, and efficient hitting motion. - Timing & Contact: Learn how to consistently connect with sets at the ideal contact point. - Target Hitting: Improve placement and accuracy to beat blockers and find open court space. - Live Feedback: Receive real-time corrections and individual guidance from experienced coaches. Why Join? - Small Group Instruction: Low athlete-to-coach ratio for maximum reps and personal feedback. - Game-Like Situations: Gradual progression from technique to competitive scenarios. - Skill Confidence: Learn and refine mechanics in a positive, focused training environment. 'This program is perfect for any athlete serious about improving their offensive skills,' says Club Director Steve Patella. 'Our coaches are committed to helping each player understand the mechanics and build confidence every time they step onto the court.' Registration & Pricing - Pricing: - $70 for 2 sessions per week - $45 per single session drop-in Secure a spot today—space is limited and expected to fill quickly. Visit for full details and registration. About Fort Lauderdale United VB Fort Lauderdale United Volleyball is a youth sports academy that offers elite-level volleyball training for athletes across South Florida. Built on the principles of passion, competition, and personal growth, the academy provides a curriculum-driven environment where players can train, compete, and thrive. Charlotte Arkwright Exults Digital Marketing Agency email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.