WNBA Expansion Team Coming to Portland in 2026
The WNBA recently announced its plans to expand by adding a 15th team in Portland. This marks the third new franchise as part of the league’s most recent expansion efforts. The team, yet to be named, will begin play in 2026 and will be owned and operated by RAJ Sports, an investment firm specializing in sports. Lisa Bhathal Merage will serve as the controlling owner and governor of the Portland team.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her excitement about bringing a team back to Portland, stating that the city has been a vibrant center for the women’s sports movement and is home to a passionate community of basketball fans. The team will play their games at the Moda Center, the same arena where the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers play.
To involve the community in the process, the team’s ownership will seek feedback for naming the franchise. Additionally, they have committed to building a practice facility for the Portland WNBA team and a training facility for the Portland Thorns, a professional women’s soccer team owned by RAJ Sports. This commitment demonstrates their dedication to investing in the growth of women’s sports in Portland.
RAJ Sports, which recently purchased the NWSL’s Portland Thorns and became co-owners of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings in 2013, has shown a strong commitment to sports ownership. Their involvement in multiple leagues highlights their confidence in the potential for growth and success in women’s sports.
The decision to expand the WNBA comes at a time when the league is experiencing a surge in popularity. The addition of the Golden State Valkyries in 2025 and the upcoming teams in Toronto and Portland for the 2026 season reflect the league’s growth mode. This expansion aligns with the overall growth and increased visibility of women’s sports, as seen in the National Women’s Soccer League’s expansion efforts since 2022.
The WNBA’s popularity is evident in the record-breaking numbers for in-person attendance and viewership during the 2024 season, as reported by the league. The presence of established stars like A’ja Wilson, along with the emergence of exciting rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, has contributed to the league’s success. This success has also translated into a significant increase in the value of the most recent NBA media rights deal.
Furthermore, the WNBA has taken steps to improve the experience for players by introducing leaguewide chartered flights for the first time ever, primarily through a partnership with Delta Air Lines. This move demonstrates the league’s commitment to providing better travel accommodations and support for its athletes.
Overall, the addition of a WNBA team in Portland is a testament to the league’s growth and the increasing popularity of women’s sports. With the city’s rich history in supporting women’s sports and a passionate fan base, the new team is poised for success. The involvement of RAJ Sports, a dedicated sports investment firm, further solidifies the commitment to developing and elevating women’s sports in Portland. As the WNBA continues to expand and thrive, it is clear that women’s sports are commanding the attention and support they deserve.
