Bhathal Family Acquires Portland Thorns for Record $63 Million

The sale, approved by the NWSL Board of Governors, comes after previous owner faced calls to sell following league-wide abuse scandals.

The Bhathal family, investors in the NBA's Sacramento Kings, have acquired the Portland Thorns for $63 million, marking the highest price ever paid for a control stake in an NWSL team.
The Thorns were put up for sale in late 2022 by Merritt Paulson, who faced calls to sell the team following a series of abuse and misconduct scandals that rocked the NWSL.
Lisa Bhathal Merage will serve as controlling owner and NWSL Governor, while Alex Bhathal will be the team's Alternate Governor. The Bhathals plan to keep the team in Portland and continue to play at Providence Park.
As part of the acquisition, RAJ Sports, a subsidiary of the Bhathals' investment firm, plans to build a new training facility for the Thorns.
The sale was approved by the NWSL Board of Governors last week.