In a bold move that heralds the continued growth of women’s professional basketball, the WNBA has announced the addition of its 15th franchise in Portland, Oregon. This included announcement marks the league’s third team established as part of a recent expansion effort, which speaks volumes about the increasing popularity and investment potential within women’s sports. Scheduled to commence play in 2026, the Portland team plans to engage with the community to find a suitable name that resonates with local basketball fans.
The ownership of the new Portland franchise will be under RAJ Sports, an investment firm dedicated to sports ventures. Lisa Bhathal Merage, who will serve as the controlling owner and governor of the team, highlighted the firm’s commitment to ensuring that this new team becomes a pillar of community engagement and professional excellence. According to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, this expansion reflects Portland’s historical significance in the women’s sports movement, and the community’s proven passion for basketball bolsters the decision to return a WNBA team to the area.
Portland is no stranger to women’s basketball, having previously hosted a WNBA team that unfortunately ceased operations in 2002. However, this revival isn’t just about nostalgia; it symbolizes a broader trend recognizing the importance of women in sports amidst a landscape transforming rapidly. The Moda Center, home to the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, will also serve as the venue for this upcoming WNBA team, indicating intentions to create an enticing environment for fans of both leagues.
Understanding the importance of community in sports, the ownership group plans to seek input and involvement from Portland fans regarding the new franchise’s identity. Additionally, there are ambitions to construct both a practice facility for the WNBA team and a training center for the NWSL’s Portland Thorns, which further solidifies the regime’s commitment to intertwining these two major leagues. Already established as co-owners of the Sacramento Kings and the NWSL Thorns, RAJ Sports brings invaluable experience in managing sports franchises.
The WNBA and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) are experiencing simultaneous expansion surges, indicative of the rising interest in women’s sports. With the beginning of play for new teams in Toronto and Portland slated for 2026, the trajectory for women’s leagues appears bright. Record attendance numbers and viewership for the 2024 WNBA season bolster this optimism, as stars like A’ja Wilson, alongside rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, continue to captivate audiences.
Looking ahead, the league’s plans to introduce chartered flights will also enhance the professional experience for athletes, setting a precedent for athlete welfare in women’s sports. This monumental expansion, coupled with strategic partnerships and community engagement, positions the WNBA to not merely thrive but to become a cornerstone of mainstream sports conversation. This pivotal moment for both the WNBA and Portland fosters hope and excitement that the league’s vision of growth and recognition in women’s sports is not merely aspirational but attainable.