Portland awarded WNBA expansion team starting in 2026

The WNBA is set to return to Portland with a new expansion team that will commence play in 2026. The franchise will be owned by Raj Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, who invested $125 million for the rights. The Bhathals expressed their excitement about bringing a WNBA team to Portland, highlighting the city's passion for women's sports, as evidenced by the success of local teams like the Thorns and the strong attendance at women's sporting events. The Bhathals had previously attempted to secure a team for Portland, which did not materialize, but their renewed discussions with the WNBA last year indicated the league's interest in the city. They aim to create a significant platform for women's sports in Portland, establishing it as a central hub for global women's athletics. The new team will play at the Moda Center, home to the Trail Blazers, and a dedicated practice facility will also be constructed. This expansion marks the third franchise added by the WNBA in a two-year span, alongside teams in Golden State and Toronto. The Golden State Valkyries will begin play next season, while Toronto's team will also debut in 2026. The league's commissioner has expressed hopes for further expansion by 2028, although no additional teams are expected to start before 2027. Portland has a history with the WNBA, having previously hosted the Fire from 2000 to 2002. The city has shown strong support for women's sports, with the Thorns averaging over 18,000 fans this season and the establishment of The Sports Bra, a bar dedicated to women's sports. Senator Ron Wyden emphasized the significance of this development for Oregon's sports landscape.