Portland hosts groundbreaking summit to redefine women’s sports

July 17, 2025

Portland’s love for women’s sports isn’t just a slogan — it’s a movement. And this summer, that movement takes center stage with the inaugural Epicenter: Women’s Global Sports Summit, a groundbreaking event set for Friday, July 25, at Nike World Headquarters. The summit is the centerpiece of Epicenter Week, a four-day celebration running July 23 to July 26.

Epicenter Week is designed to bridge sport, business, and innovation, bringing together athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are reshaping what’s possible in women’s sports. The summit itself, an invitation-only gathering, is presented by RAJ Sports, the ownership group behind the Portland Thorns and WNBA’s newly launched Portland Fire, with support from major partners including Nike, Front Office Sports, Travel Portland, and Sport Oregon.

This event follows on the heels of major moments that showcase Portland’s unwavering support for women’s athletics. From the electric crowd of thousands at the Portland Fire’s name reveal at the Rose Quarter Commons, to the more than 21,000 fans who packed Providence Park for the Thorns’ Pride Night in June, Portland continues to raise the bar. Now, the city is taking the next step, positioning itself not just as a supporter but as a global leader in advancing women’s sports. katu