Because both cities view themselves as separate entities in regards to sports affiliation. But don't see each other equals. Seahawks fans don't care about regionaliam because it's the NFL. But where the NBA is concerned,, most Seattle fans won't bring themselves to cheer for their little brothers. Where baseball is concerned, Portland probably deserves a shot soon. The Oakland stadium deal just fell apart. But critics will say, "Portland is too close to Seattle. Not enough corporate firms. The Mariners will sue over loss of broadcasting rights." And then you throw in the Ducks/Huskies, Timbers/Sounders rivalries and there is just enough of a chasm for regular dysfunction. Seattle is beautiful but we aren't just a suburb of it where sports are concerned. People who live here and are fans of pro sports, don't have to pick the Mariners by default. Tha'ts a mistake that people don't make as much any more. Since Portland international profile has raised so much. But it is still there.
