The WNBA announced on Wednesday that Portland will welcome a new franchise for the 2026 season, expanding the league to 15 teams.
Raj Sports will own the yet-to-be-named team, which will be led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. The company paid $125 million for the franchise.
Raj Sports also owns the NWSL’s Portland Thorns and invests in the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.
The new women’s basketball team will play at the Moda Center, home to the Portland Trail Blazers. The announcement marks Portland’s return to the WNBA after the Fire folded in 2002 after two years of play.
The WNBA plans to expand to 16 teams by 2028. It will see the Golden State Valkyries debut next season and a new Toronto franchise join in 2026.
Women’s basketball has recently gained popularity, spurred by star players including Caitlin Clark. The franchise has also seen record viewership; its most-watched regular season just got over, with an average of 1.2 million viewers per game.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in May that she is looking to double the league’s $60 million TV rights deal after it expires next year.