The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is set to expand its reach with the introduction of a new franchise in Portland, marking the league’s 15th team overall and the third franchise added during its latest expansion initiative. Scheduled to debut in 2026, this momentous announcement was made by the league on Wednesday. Though the team has yet to be named, the ownership will be spearheaded by RAJ Sports, a firm dedicated to investments in the sports industry, with Lisa Bhathal Merage serving as the chief owner.
Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA Commissioner, echoed the excitement surrounding this expansion, emphasizing Portland’s historical connection to women’s sports and its thriving basketball culture. “As the WNBA builds on a season of unprecedented growth, bringing a team back to Portland is another important step forward,” she stated, highlighting that the city has been a cornerstone in promoting women’s athletic programs. This sentiment reflects not only the city’s deep-rooted basketball heritage but also its enthusiastic community, eager to support a new professional women’s team.
The Portland team will call the Moda Center home, the same venue used by the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, which speaks volumes about the ambition behind this new franchise. The ownership has expressed a commitment to engaging with the local community during the naming process of the new team, signaling a strong desire to connect with fans from the very beginning. Moreover, plans to establish a dedicated practice facility for the women’s team, along with a training center for the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), exhibit a strong investment in both the basketball and wider sports ecosystem within Portland.
Women’s Sports on the Rise
The revival of a Portland WNBA team not only represents a resurgence for the league in a city that once hosted a franchise that unfortunately folded in 2002; it also illustrates a broader upward trajectory for women’s sports as a whole. The recent performance metrics from the 2024 WNBA season demonstrate record-breaking attendance and viewership, indicating a growing interest among fans. The enduring presence of star players, such as A’ja Wilson, paired with the emergence of promising rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, have significantly fueled this enthusiasm.
The rapid expansion of the WNBA, alongside its successful initiatives—such as the introduction of leaguewide chartered flights for teams—underline the league’s commitment to improving the overall experience for players and fans alike. With the Golden State Valkyries slated to commence operations in 2025 and an additional franchise expected in Toronto in 2026, the momentum is palpable. As the league gears up for its playoffs starting September 22, the anticipation surrounding these new teams only adds to the excitement building within the WNBA. The potential for growth in this evolving landscape is immense, and Portland is poised to be a vibrant part of its story.
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