Official WNBA playoff bracket and standings

WNBA Adds 15th Franchise in Portland's Rose City for $125 Million, Play Begins in 2026

Sep 18, 2024, 03:05 PM

The WNBA has announced the addition of its 15th franchise, which will be based in Portland, Oregon, also known as the Rose City. 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. This marks a return of the WNBA to Portland, which previously hosted the Portland Fire from 2000 to 2002. The franchise will play its home games at the Moda Center. The expansion to Portland follows recent announcements of new teams in the Bay Area and Toronto, reflecting the league's growth and increasing popularity. The ownership group paid a record $125 million for the franchise. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted Portland as a key city for women's sports.