The WNBA is set to make waves in Portland once again, with a brand-new team gearing up for action in 2026. After nearly two decades without a women’s professional basketball team, the league is bringing the spotlight back to a city known for its passionate sports fans and rich history in women’s athletics. The team, yet to be named, will be owned by RAJ Sports, marking the investment firm’s growing presence in women’s sports, alongside its ownership of the NWSL’s Portland Thorns. Lisa Bhathal Merage, a rising figure in sports ownership, will lead the charge as the controlling owner.
This addition represents more than just a return to Portland — it’s a signal of the WNBA’s meteoric rise. With the league enjoying unprecedented popularity and expansion, the Moda Center will soon become home to not only the Portland Trail Blazers but also this thriving new franchise. Portland’s new team, joining the Golden State Valkyries and a future Toronto squad, symbolizes the WNBA’s continued surge. As excitement builds for the playoffs and fans turn out in record numbers, the league’s future looks brighter than ever.
(Source: WNBA | ESPN)
