The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is experiencing an exhilarating period of expansion, as confirmed by the recent announcement regarding the establishment of its 15th franchise in Portland. This marks a significant milestone, as the league not only welcomes a new team but also reinforces its commitment to enhancing the presence of women’s sports across the nation. Scheduled to commence play in 2026, the yet-to-be-named Portland franchise will be overseen by RAJ Sports, a firm dedicated to investing in sports.
Leading the charge for the new franchise is Lisa Bhathal Merage, who takes on the roles of controlling owner and governor. Her involvement, alongside the team’s commitment to community engagement in the naming process, highlights a progressive step towards fostering a sense of belonging and excitement within the local fanbase. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert articulated the league’s vision, stating that the return of a team to Portland is a worthy advancement for both the WNBA and its vibrant community of basketball enthusiasts. Portland is not unfamiliar with professional women’s basketball; however, the franchise that existed until 2002 ceased operations prematurely. The revival of a WNBA team in this culturally rich city is an opportunity to rekindle that connection.
The initiative to include the Portland team encapsulates the league’s broader strategy to amplify its impact and presence across diverse locales. The chosen venue for the team will be the Moda Center, which also serves as the home base for the Portland Trail Blazers, the NBA franchise. Furthermore, plans are underway to construct dedicated training facilities for both the new WNBA team and the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Such investments promise to solidify the foundation necessary for nurturing talent and fostering a competitive environment, ultimately further enhancing the sports landscape in Portland.
The recent surge in popularity of women’s sports, particularly in the WNBA, has been remarkable. The successful introduction of the Golden State Valkyries in 2025 as well as teams in Toronto scheduled for 2026 represents a period of unprecedented growth. The interest surrounding the upcoming 2024 WNBA season has already been palpable, with record attendance and viewership statistics underscoring the movement’s momentum. The infusion of renowned players like A’ja Wilson, along with promising rookies such as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, serves to draw more eyes to the sport than ever before.
Significantly, the WNBA is poised to elevate its operational standards with the introduction of league-wide chartered flights for the first time, creating an enhanced travel experience for teams, primarily through a partnership with Delta Air Lines. This represents a pivotal transformation in how teams manage logistics, allowing for a greater focus on performance and player welfare.
The establishment of a new WNBA team in Portland is not merely about expanding the league; it symbolizes a broader cultural shift towards valuing and promoting women’s sports. With strategic leadership, community support, and impressive plans for development, the future looks bright for the WNBA and its new franchise in Portland. As the league prepares for this exciting next chapter, the anticipation among fans and players alike only continues to grow.