Attendance records from the Moda Center or official WNBA reports

WNBA Awards Portland 15th Franchise for 2026, RAJ Sports Pays $125 Million

Sep 18, 2024, 02:06 PM

The WNBA has announced that Portland, Oregon, will be awarded the league's 15th franchise, set to begin play in the 2026 season. The new team will be owned and operated by RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, who also own the NWSL's Portland Thorns. The expansion to Portland marks the league's continued growth, following recent additions of teams in Golden State and Toronto. The Portland franchise will play its home games at the Moda Center. This move returns the WNBA to Portland, which previously hosted the Portland Fire from 2000 to 2002. The ownership group paid a record $125 million for the franchise. The move also creates a new rival for the Seattle Storm.