In a significant move that reflects the ongoing growth of women’s sports, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced its ambitious plan to add a 15th franchise located in Portland, Oregon. Set to launch in 2026, this new team promises to reinvigorate a basketball-crazed community that has long been deprived of a professional women’s basketball presence since the Portland Fire disbanded in 2002. With RAJ Sports at the helm, led by controlling owner Lisa Bhathal Merage, the franchise aims to blend the excitement of professional sports with community engagement, ensuring a fresh start for women’s basketball in the city.
The selection of Portland as a target city for expansion speaks volumes about the WNBA’s commitment to fostering local ties. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the historical significance of Portland as a “hotbed for women’s sports,” where passionate fans have long supported athletics. In a bid to engage the broader community, Bhathal Merage announced that ownership would seek input from fans for naming the franchise, thereby inviting local stakeholders to play a role in this new chapter. This grassroots approach not only cultivates loyalty among fans but also reinforces the idea that this team belongs to the people of Portland.
In tandem with the announcement of the new franchise, ambitious plans for infrastructure have been laid out. Bhathal Merage stated that along with the team’s home games at the iconic Moda Center—home to the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers—there is a commitment to erecting a dedicated practice facility specifically for the WNBA team, as well as a training ground for the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). By investing in state-of-the-art facilities, RAJ Sports demonstrates a commitment to not only attracting talent but also developing it, ensuring that both teams can thrive in fostering competitive excellence.
The newly announced Portland franchise is part of a broader expansion strategy for the WNBA, which includes the introduction of teams in Toronto and the Golden State Valkyries, set to debut in 2025. As evidenced by record attendance and viewership figures for the ongoing 2024 season, the league is riding a wave of popularity that has seen its viability and market value soar. The league’s robust approach to expansion reflects a growing acknowledgment that women’s sports are no longer a niche market but a mainstream phenomenon that commands attention, support, and investment.
The recent measures taken by the league, including the introduction of chartered flights for teams through a partnership with Delta Airlines, symbolize a transformative period in the WNBA’s history. This commitment to improving the travel experience for players not only enhances competitive equity but also recognizes the professional athletes’ needs, paving the way for a more sustainable model in women’s sports. Coupled with rising star power from athletes like Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson, these innovative initiatives suggest that the WNBA is poised for a remarkable trajectory, and the forthcoming Portland franchise is a pivotal part of this ongoing evolution.
As Portland prepares to welcome the WNBA back into its sports landscape, this new team represents more than just basketball; it symbolizes hope, community, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in women’s sports.