A WNBA expansion team is coming to Portland in 2026.
Source: WNBA
The WNBA will add a 15th team in Portland, the third new team as part of its recent expansion, the league announced Wednesday.
The WNBA press release did not name the Portland team, which will begin play in 2026 and is owned and operated by RAJ Sports, an investment firm focused solely on sports. Lisa Bhathal Merage will serve as controlling shareholder and governor.
“Bringing a team back to Portland is another important step forward for the WNBA to build on an unprecedented growth season,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a news release. “Portland has always been the epicenter of women’s sports and home to a passionate community of basketball fans. “
Portland will play at the Moda Center, the same venue as the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers.
The WNBA is in growth mode as its popularity soars. The Golden State Valkyries will begin play in 2025, followed by teams in Toronto and Portland in the 2026 season.
Portland previously had a WNBA team, but it closed in 2002 after a few years. The National Women’s Soccer League is also in expansion mode, having added several teams since 2022.
RAJ Sports acquired the NWSL’s Portland Thorns in January and became a co-owner of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings in 2013.
According to statistics, the 2024 WNBA season has record-breaking live attendance and ratings. data The season begins with the WNBA. The playoffs are scheduled to begin on September 22.
The combination of existing stars like A’ja Wilson and an exciting rookie class led by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese helped propel the WNBA forward. A huge leap forward. The value of recent NBA media rights deals.
In May of this year, the WNBA also announced that the team would provide charter flights within the league for the first time, mainly operating through Delta Air Lines.
