WNBA Expansion Team Coming to Portland, League to Have 15 Franchises
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is set to welcome its 15th team in Portland, as announced by the league on Wednesday. This marks the third new franchise to join the WNBA in its most recent expansion efforts, with the Portland team scheduled to begin play in 2026. The team will be owned and operated by RAJ Sports, an investment firm specializing in sports, with Lisa Bhathal Merage serving as the controlling owner and governor.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed excitement about the addition of a team in Portland, stating, “As the WNBA builds on a season of unprecedented growth, bringing a team back to Portland is another important step forward. Portland has been an epicenter of the women’s sports movement and is home to a passionate community of basketball fans.”
The Portland team will call the Moda Center home, sharing the arena with the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers. Ownership has pledged to involve the community in naming the franchise and plans to build a practice facility for the Portland WNBA team, as well as a training facility for the Portland Thorns, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team. Alex Bhathal, the WNBA team’s alternate governor, emphasized the commitment to investing in the development of women’s sports in Portland.
RAJ Sports, which acquired the NWSL’s Portland Thorns earlier this year and became co-owners of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings in 2013, is positioning itself as a key player in the sports industry. The addition of the Portland WNBA team is a testament to the growth and potential of women’s sports, with the WNBA experiencing a surge in popularity in recent years.
Expanding Opportunities for Women’s Sports
The decision to bring a WNBA team back to Portland reflects the increasing demand for women’s sports and the league’s commitment to expanding its reach. With record attendance and viewership numbers during the 2024 season, the WNBA is capitalizing on the momentum to attract new fans and investors. The addition of teams like the Golden State Valkyries in 2025 and the upcoming franchises in Toronto and Portland in 2026 signals a bright future for the league.
Portland’s history with women’s basketball dates back to the early 2000s when the city had a WNBA team that eventually folded. However, the resurgence of interest in women’s sports has paved the way for the return of professional basketball to Portland. The city’s vibrant sports culture and enthusiastic fan base make it an ideal location for a WNBA team, which will contribute to the overall growth of women’s sports in the region.
Rising Stars and Exciting Opportunities
The WNBA’s success can be attributed to a combination of established stars like A’ja Wilson and emerging talents such as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. These players have captured the attention of fans with their skill and charisma, driving interest in the league and attracting new viewers. The recent increase in the value of the NBA’s media rights deal also reflects the growing appeal of women’s basketball and the potential for further expansion.
In a groundbreaking move, the WNBA announced that teams will now have access to leaguewide chartered flights, a significant development that will enhance player comfort and convenience during the season. This initiative, made possible through a partnership with Delta Air Lines, demonstrates the league’s commitment to providing top-notch resources for its players and raising the overall standard of competition.
As the WNBA continues to grow and evolve, the addition of new teams like the one in Portland underscores the league’s dedication to expanding opportunities for women in sports. With a focus on community engagement, player development, and fan experience, the WNBA is poised to build on its success and solidify its position as a premier professional sports league.
