Under Armour makes bold expansion in Portland, the home of Nike

Under Armour Inc. is bringing more of the fight to Nike’s backyard.

The company on Monday confirmed it plans to grow its footwear and innovation operations in Portland, Ore. The confirmation followed Portland Business Journal inquiries last week about the sale of a nearly 70,000-square-foot former YMCA immediately south of downtown.

“As Under Armour continues its global expansion, Portland has emerged as a strategic hub for the brand, specifically in footwear and innovation,” the company said in…