WNBA Halts Portland Expansion Due to Disagreements with Potential Owner and Concerns over Stadium Renovations

Prospective owner Kirk Brown withdraws over conflict with WNBA Commissioner and refusal to relinquish stake in basketball franchise due to potential conflict of interest; renovation of Moda Center was not the sole factor for shelving expansion.

Prospective owner Kirk Brown's conflict with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and his refusal to relinquish stake in basketball training franchise Shoot 360 due to potential conflict of interest were major reasons for the halt of the Portland expansion.
The WNBA's concerns about proposed renovations to the Moda Center, noting scheduled renovations during the league's season as a primary point of concern, was not the sole reason for postponing the expansion.
Disagreements also arose as Brown insisted on naming the team Rose City Royalty, which Engelbert found uncomfortable.
In the aftermath of Brown's withdrawal, attempts to salvage the deal and find a new ownership group in Portland were unsuccessful, leaving the city's future in bid uncertain.
The WNBA had plans to expand with a couple new teams ahead of the 2025 season, yet the deterioration of the Portland expansion brings potential cities like Denver and San Francisco Bay area in the spotlight for expansion.