Introducing the Newest WNBA Expansion Team: Portland 2026
Exciting news in the world of women’s sports as the WNBA announced the addition of its 15th team in Portland, set to debut in 2026. This marks the third new franchise in the league’s recent expansion, and the Portland team will be owned and operated by RAJ Sports, a specialized sports investment firm. Lisa Bhathal Merage will serve as the controlling owner and governor of the team.
The decision to bring a WNBA team back to Portland was met with great enthusiasm from league officials and fans alike. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed, “As the WNBA builds on a season of unprecedented growth, bringing a team back to Portland is another important step forward.” Portland has a rich history in women’s sports and boasts a passionate community of basketball enthusiasts.
The Portland team will have their home base at the Moda Center, the same arena as the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers, offering fans a top-notch experience. Team ownership is committed to engaging with the community in the naming process of the franchise and plans to build a dedicated practice facility for the Portland WNBA team, as well as a training facility for the Portland Thorns. RAJ Sports, who acquired the NWSL’s Portland Thorns earlier this year, is no stranger to the sports world, having also co-owned the NBA’s Sacramento Kings since 2013.
The addition of the new Portland team comes at a time of significant growth for the WNBA, with skyrocketing popularity and record numbers in attendance and viewership for the 2024 season. A talented roster of players, including established stars like A’ja Wilson and exciting rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, has contributed to the league’s success.
In a groundbreaking move, the WNBA announced that teams will now have access to leaguewide chartered flights, thanks to a partnership with Delta Air Lines. This initiative aims to provide a more seamless and efficient travel experience for players and teams across the league.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the latest developments in the world of sports and business news. Join the conversation at Extreme Investor Network and be part of the action as we track the exciting journey of the WNBA’s newest expansion team in Portland 2026.