WNBA Announces New Expansion TeamPortland for 2026
Portland will host the WNBA's 15th franchise, marking a return to the city after more than two decades.
- The new team will be owned by RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, who also own the NWSL's Portland Thorns.
- Portland previously had a WNBA team, the Portland Fire, which played from 2000 to 2002 before folding.
- The team will play at the Moda Center initially, with potential temporary relocation to Veterans Memorial Coliseum due to planned renovations.
- A state-of-the-art practice facility is being planned for the new WNBA team, similar to recent developments by other franchises.
- Portland joins Golden State and Toronto as part of the WNBA's rapid expansion, with Golden State starting in 2025 and Toronto alongside Portland in 2026.