A United States League announced that Portland will be home to its 15th franchise. The North American women’s basketball league will have a RAJ Sports-owned team in the Oregon city starting in 2026.
Portland will get its third franchise granted by the WNBA in its last round of expansion. The cities of Toronto, Canada, and San Francisco, with the Golden State Valkyrie, are also part of the program. With this, the league will go from 12 to 15 teams.
The new franchise will be controlled by Lisa Brathal Merage, who will serve as controlling owner and a member of the WNBA team’s board. The Bhathal family, founders of RAJ Sports, are also investors. Sacramento KingsYes American Basketball Leagueand owner of the Portland Thorns English National League (NWSL).
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According to the Associated Press, Raj Sports invested $125 million to own the franchise. That’s more than the $50 million and $115 million it allegedly paid to form the Golden State Valkyries and the Toronto team.
“Portland has been at the epicenter of the women’s sports movement and is home to a passionate community of basketball fans. Combining this energy with the Bhathal family’s vision of leading a professional sports team will ensure we bring a world-class team to the Portland metro area,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
The Portland team will use the Moda Center, a 20,000-capacity arena located downtown that also hosts Portland games. Portland Trail Blazers Teamand the NBA.
“Our goal is to grow this organization through partnership with the Portland community and we look forward to supporting the best women’s basketball players in the world when they play at Moda Center in 2026,” said Lisa Brathal Merage, new franchise owner.
The move will bring Portland back to the WNBA after more than two decades. The city experienced the Portland Fire for three seasons in the league, between 2000 and 2002.
Like other women’s sports, the WNBA has seen a rapid growth in its fan base. This season, which is not over yet, has already broken records for viewership, attendance, product sales, social media engagement, digital subscriptions (with WNBA League Pass) and app downloads.
Growth is mainly related to the arrival of Caitlin Clark to the league. The player, who is considered a major WNBA phenomenon, was the first pick in this season’s draft and played for Indiana Fever.
