The WNBA will return to Portland in 2026
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Rose City will be home to a WNBA team once again. The league announced Wednesday that Portland was awarded the league's 15th franchise, which is set to start playing in 2026.
Why it matters: It's been over two decades since Portland had a WNBA team. Stakeholders believe the expansion signals strong and growing support for women's sports in the city.
Between the lines: The not-yet-named franchise will be owned and operated by Raj Sports which is led by siblings Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. The group also owns the Portland Thorns.
- They paid a league-record $125 million to bring the WNBA back to Portland, according to The Oregonian.
State of play: The team will play home games at Moda Center — or, more likely, at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum if proposed renovations get in the way — and the Bhathals plan to build a new practice facility though they did not say where.
What we're watching: There are still a lot of unknowns. Bhathal Merage said they will enlist fans in the decision-making for what the team's name, logo and colors should be.
What they're saying: "It's nice to have the Pacific Northwest kind of locked in now," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said at a press conference. The Seattle Storm has been a staple in the WNBA since 2000, and the league announced an expansion into San Francisco, the Golden State Valkyries, last year.
- "The decision to choose Portland for the next WNBA team is just as much a recognition of our past as it is about faith in our future," Gov. Tina Kotek posted on X.
- Toronto will also welcome a WNBA team in the 2026 season.
Flashback: The Fire represented Portland in the WNBA from 2000 to 2002.
- The team struggled with increasing financial losses despite having a loyal fanbase, according to The Athletic.
- After its NBA counterpart, the Blazers, declined to buy the Fire, the franchise eventually folded following three seasons.
What's next: To celebrate the news, the WNBA, Trail Blazers and the Sports Bra are hosting a block party Wednesday at Moda Center from 4-7pm. There will be games and entertainment, as well as food and drinks from Dr. Jack.
- Season ticket deposits can be made here.