When Portland looks in the mirror, it sees more than just makers and craftspeople; it sees the forefront of the Global Sports Industry and the rising Epicenter of Women's Sports. It sees a city both firmly established and on the rise, defined by its relentless passion, creative grit, and a personality that welcomes everyone.

Portland’s unique zip code holds an unrivaled connection to the global sports market that few other cities can match. This concentration of power has created an innovation hub, as we are home to the locally-established giants that lead the industry: Nike (Global HQ), adidas (North American HQ), ON (U.S. HQ), and Columbia Sportswear (Global HQ), alongside an influential presence from Under Armour (Corporate Office). This density of industry leadership has cultivated a deep talent pool in design, technology, and performance, cementing Portland as the global hub for athletic and outdoor footwear and apparel innovation.

Our sporting spirit has transcended the competition, making Portland the gold standard for professional women's athletics. We are the home of the Portland Thorns FC (NWSL), one of the most successful women's sports franchises in the world, which consistently boasts record-setting attendance and a uniquely passionate, diverse, and loyal fanbase. Solidifying this status, Portland will soon welcome the Portland Fire, its new WNBA expansion team launching in 2026. Both franchises are united under a shared ownership group that is further cementing Portland's role by investing over $150 million in a first-of-its-kind, dual-sport Women's Performance Center designed specifically for elite female athletes. This community belief proves that in Portland, sports are truly for everyone.

This is a true Renaissance City, where the thriving arts, culinary, and outdoor scenes are uniquely intertwined with its athletes. We celebrate the well-rounded competitor, supporting figures like beloved Trail Blazers All-Star point guard, Damian Lillard, who is equally respected as a recording artist, or local Olympians whose ventures range from world-renowned dining partnerships to New York Times bestselling cookbooks. It's one of the few places where you can surf and ski in the same day, with spare time to grab a cup of coffee and show off your new sneakers—designed just a few miles away—before catching a game. When your event lands in Portland, it will be about the competition, the athletes, and the experience. Hosting in this city will be anything but typical, because we welcome every championship with our whole personality and our unparalleled sports heritage.&#x20;

Portland, powered by Sport Oregon

The Les Schwab Invitational is a premier high school basketball tournament presented by Express Employment Professionals and hosted at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. The 2026 tournament takes place December 26–30 at the Viking Pavilion, bringing basketball fans together for competitive holiday-season action. The event is operated by Prime Time Sports and supported by sponsors including Les Schwab Tires, Nike, Gatorade and Chick-fil-A Beaverton.

Les Schwab Invitational

Basketball

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Portland State University has incredible Division I standard athletic facilities. This includes a stadium, gymnasium, track, fields and tennis center.

Portland State is a public research university in Portland, Oregon. It was founded in 1946. PSU is composed of seven constituent colleges, offering undergraduate degrees in one hundred twenty-three fields, and postgraduate degrees in one hundred seventeen fields. Schools at Portland State include the School of Business Administration, College of Education, School of Social Work, College of Urban and Public Affairs, College of the Arts, Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The athletic teams are known as the Portland State Vikings with school colors of green and white. Teams compete at the NCAA Division I Level, primarily in the Big Sky Conference.

Les Schwab Invitational

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