WNBA Expands to Portland with Record $125M Franchise, Starting in 2026

Sep 18, 2024, 02:15 PM

The WNBA has officially announced that it will expand to Portland, Oregon, awarding the city its 15th franchise. The new team is set to begin play in the 2026 season and will be owned and operated by RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. The Bhathal family, who also own the NWSL’s Portland Thorns, will pay a record $125 million for the franchise. This expansion marks the return of the WNBA to Portland, which previously hosted the Portland Fire from 2000 to 2002. The new team will play its home games at the Moda Center and is expected to create a rivalry with the Seattle Storm. This move is part of the WNBA's broader expansion strategy, which also includes new teams in Golden State and Toronto. The announcement comes during the WNBA's 28th season, amid rising popularity and increased viewership.