ABOUT PORTLAND FIRE:
Professional women’s basketball is returning to Rip City. On September 18, 2024, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) awarded Portland its 15th franchise, bringing the league back to the city for the first time in over two decades. Owned and operated by the Bhathal family through RAJ Sports, the team will make its official debut in 2026 at the Moda Center. Portland is cementing itself as the epicenter of women’s sports, powered by a passionate fan base and a rich basketball culture. At Portland Fire, we’re building more than a team, we’re creating a modern, inclusive, and community-driven organization from the ground up. With innovation, integrity, and excellence at our core, our mission is to set a new standard in women’s professional basketball - delivering excellence on the court, inspiring fans, and serving the city we call home. As we prepare for our inaugural season, we’re looking for passionate, driven professionals to help shape the future of this franchise and the future of the game.
THE ROLE:
The Public Address Announcer (PAA) serves as “the voice of the game”, responsible for delivering all in-venue verbal communications with professional clarity and accuracy. As a member of the Game Experience team, this role ensures official game information, team introductions, safety protocols, and sponsor obligations are effectively communicated to fans, staff, and participants in accordance with league, team, and venue standards. This role requires exceptional attention to detail and the ability to maintain consistent, high-level performance under live event conditions.
WHAT YOU’LL BE UP TO:
- Announce starting lineups, player introductions, scoring, fouls, timeouts and substitutions in accordance with league and team protocols
- Deliver all scripted and real-time announcements clearly and accurately, maintaining the specific tone requested by the Game Experience team
- Read all required legal, safety and operational messaging with precision
- Execute sponsor and promotional reads in accordance with established brand guidelines
- Coordinate closely with Official Scorers, Game Operations, and Officials to ensure fans receive accurate and timely information
- Maintain a neutral, professional and consistent tone across all official announcements
- Participate in rehearsals, pre-game meetings, and training sessions as required
Schedule: Portland Fire game days and select promotional or community events (evenings, weekends, and holidays as required)
WHAT IT TAKES:
- Prior experience as a Public Address Announcer, broadcaster or professional voice talent preferred
- Excellent diction, pronunciation and vocal projection
- Strong reading comprehension and high attention to detail
- Ability to remain calm, focused and professional in fast-paced environment
- Availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays during the season
Applicants must submit video reel for consideration. Finalists will be invited for a live, in-person audition at a TBD date.
BENEFITS
- This is a contract (W9) role, competitive pay, no travel.
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- Dynamic, collaborative and fun work environment.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth of women's basketball.
Ready to Be a Game Changer in Portland? Apply Now!
If you’re ready to shape the future of Portland Fire, we want to hear from you. Join us as we make history—on and off the court.
Portland Fire is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
About Portland Fire Ownership, RAJ Sports:
RAJ Sports, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. In 2013, the Bhathal family became investors in the Sacramento Kings (NBA); subsequently building the platform to include the Sacramento RiverCats (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G-League) and several sports anchored real estate developments. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the Portland Fire expansion team represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports.
