Portland, Oregon, has become the latest city to benefit from the Women’s National Basketball Association‘s rapid expansion plans after being awarded a franchise on Wednesday that will begin play in 2026.
Portland will be the third expansion franchise the WNBA adds over the next two years with Golden State and Toronto having previously been awarded teams.
The new team will be owned and operated by Raj Sports and led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. It also marks the WNBA’s return to Portland, which was home to the Portland Fire from 2000-02.
“As the WNBA builds on a season of unprecedented growth, bringing a team back to Portland is another important step forward,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a news release.
“Portland has been an epicenter of the women’s sports movement and is home to a passionate community of basketball fans.”
Portland will be the WNBA’s 15th franchise.
“The business potential in women’s sports is undeniable,” Bhathal Merage said at a press conference.
“We are witnessing unprecedented growth, investment and fan interest. We believe that Portland, with its forward thinking and innovative spirit, is the perfect city to lead this charge.”
Raj Sports, which is run by Bhathal Merage and her brother Alex, also own the National Women’s Soccer League team the Portland Thorns.
Bhathal Merage said the franchise would provide a boost to the city beyond the court.
“We see this team not only as an investment in basketball but an investment in this city’s future,” she said.
“We will create jobs, contribute to the local economy and give back.”
Bhathal Merage said a team name would be announced in due course with input from the community.
The team will play its home games at downtown Portland’s Moda Center, which is home to the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers.
—Reuters
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