Portland Welcomes WNBA Team: Basketball Dreams Come True for 2026!

In an electrifying announcement, the WNBA has declared that Portland will be home to the league's 15th team, slated to start play in 2026. This long-anticipated expansion marks a significant moment for a city renowned for its passionate sports culture.

For Portland, the road to reintroducing a WNBA team has been laden with uncertainty. Just eleven months ago, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert was publicly weighing the prospects of Portland as an expansion city but ultimately opted to pause. Fast forward to now, and the excitement in the air is palpable as Englebert officially revealed the news during a high-energy media event at the Moda Center.

"Bringing the WNBA back to Portland is not just an opportunity; it’s destiny,” Englebert proclaimed, following a powerful video that showcased the strength of women in sports alongside iconic images from the Pacific Northwest. "Portland supports women's sports fiercely, and basketball runs deep in our community’s veins. This new chapter in Portland's illustrious basketball history presents the ideal platform for WNBA players to excel and inspire."

The new team will be owned and operated by RAJ Sports, led by the dynamic duo, Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. Their commitment to the project extends beyond merely having a venue; they are also focusing on establishing a dedicated practice facility to ensure the team’s long-term viability and success.

So what catalyzed this decision after months of speculation and negotiations? Englebert hinted at a shifting landscape, saying, “The clarity around the city’s readiness, along with discussions regarding the Moda Center and the new training facility, made Portland a prime candidate.”

Fans can look forward to a thrilling 20 home games, as well as the chance to influence the team’s name—an opportunity that is expected to foster a strong community connection. The excitement isn’t limited to just the officials; Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden expressed his enthusiasm by declaring, "Rip City is now officially a WNBA city! We all knew it was just a matter of time." He echoed the sentiments shared by local officials, including Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, who emphasized that the team would serve as a vital source of inspiration for young athletes, particularly girls aspiring to break barriers in sports.

As the city gears up to celebrate this monumental achievement, fans are already taking to the streets. A jubilant block party erupted outside the Moda Center in response to the announcement, with many highlighting its significance for younger generations. As Elsye Colgan, an optimistic fan, noted, “It’s thrilling to see Portland embrace this expansion. It’s going to be transformational for the city and for the sport.”

Colin Bossoin echoed the sentiment, sharing his thoughts on representation in sports: “It’s crucial for young girls to see athletes they can look up to, who aren’t just male athletes,” he stated. Many fans believe that the rising popularity of women’s sports—experiencing a surge thanks in part to the “Caitlin Clark Effect,” is paving the way for this new team to thrive.

With a bright future ahead, one thing is clear: Portland is ready to make its mark on the WNBA, and fans can hardly wait for the debut of their new team in 2026! Stay tuned for all the latest updates and get ready to rally behind this exciting new chapter in Portland's sports history!