Exciting news for basketball fans in Portland! The WNBA is set to make a return to the city with an expansion team starting play in 2026.
The team will be owned by Raj Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, who paid $125 million for the franchise.
Lisa Bhathal expressed her excitement by saying, “This is huge for Portland. We are so honored and humbled to be the vessel that delivers this WNBA franchise to Portland. Portland is this incredibly diverse, enthusiastic community, and we are very excited about the future.”
The Bhathal family’s discussions with the WNBA started late last year, and after a previous bid fell through, they were eager to bring a team to Portland.
The addition of the Portland team marks the third expansion franchise in the league, with Golden State and Toronto set to join in the coming years.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is hopeful for more teams by 2028, aiming to expand the league’s footprint and create a platform focused on women’s sports in various markets.
Portland’s previous WNBA team, the Fire, had a strong fan base, and the new franchise will play at the Moda Center, alongside the Trail Blazers. The Bhathal family plans to build a dedicated practice facility for the team.
With over 50 years of professional sports experience, including ownership of the Sacramento Kings and the Portland Thorns, the Bhathal family brings a wealth of knowledge to the new Portland WNBA team.
Portland has a history of supporting women’s sports, as seen in the success of college teams and the Thorns. The enthusiasm for women’s sports in the city is evident, with dedicated establishments like The Sports Bra.
Senator Ron Wyden praised the foundation laid for women’s sports in Oregon, highlighting the passion for basketball and the growth of the sport across the state.
Stay tuned for more updates on the WNBA expansion team in Portland and the exciting future of women’s basketball in the city.
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