Portland, Oregon Awarded WNBA’s 15th Franchise: A New Era Of Women’s Basketball Begins

In a groundbreaking announcement, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has awarded Portland, Oregon, its 15th franchise, set to commence play in the 2026 season. This marks a significant moment not only for the league but also for the city, which has long been a vibrant hub for women’s sports.

The new Portland team will be owned and operated by RAJ Sports, led by the dynamic duo of Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. This franchise is the third expansion team granted in the current wave of growth for the WNBA, following the Golden State Valkyries and a franchise in Toronto, expanding the league from 12 to 15 teams.

“With a season of unprecedented growth behind us, bringing a team back to Portland is another important step forward,” stated WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Portland has been an epicenter of the women’s sports movement and is home to a passionate community of basketball fans. Pairing this energy with the Bhathal family’s vision of leading top-flight professional sports teams will ensure that we deliver a premier WNBA team to the greater Portland area.”

Lisa Bhathal Merage will serve as the controlling owner and WNBA Governor, while her brother, Alex Bhathal, will take on the role of Alternate Governor. The Bhathal family brings over 50 years of experience in the professional sports industry, having previously invested in the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and owned the National Women’s Soccer League’s Portland Thorns. Richard Merage, CEO of MIG Capital, LLC, will also join the ownership group as an investor and Executive Board member.

“For decades, Portland has been the global epicenter of sports lifestyle, and today, we are now the global epicenter of women’s sports,” Lisa Bhathal Merage expressed with enthusiasm. “We believe in the transformative power of women’s sports and are thrilled that the W will call Portland home. Our goal is to grow this organization in partnership with the Portland community and support the best women’s basketball players in the world when they take the floor at the Moda Center in 2026.”

The team will host its home games at the Moda Center, located in downtown Portland. Fans eager to support the new franchise can place a deposit for season tickets at WNBA.com/portland. This new team signifies the WNBA’s return to Portland after more than 20 years, following the short-lived Portland Fire, which played in the league from 2000 to 2002.

This announcement comes on the heels of the WNBA’s historic 28th season, during which the league has celebrated record-breaking viewership, attendance, and merchandise sales. The addition of the Portland franchise reflects the WNBA’s commitment to expanding its footprint and elevating women’s sports to new heights.