In a season that’s seen record television ratings and a historic media deal, the WNBA continues to leverage its positive momentum when it made a huge announcement on Wednesday awarding the city of Portland, Oregon, a franchise that is set to begin play in the 2026 WNBA season.
The unnamed Portland team will be the 15th WNBA franchise, joining the 12 currently competing, as well as the previously announced expansion franchises in the Golden State Valkyries and a Toronto team. Golden State will begin play in 2025, with Toronto joining Portland in the league in 2026. The Portland team will be owned and operated by RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal.
