WNBA

Portland Joins the WNBA Party: Get Ready for Basketball with a Twist!

Hold on to your basketballs, Canada! Portland is about to welcome a brand new WNBA team in 2026, and it’s bound to be a slam dunk!

In the world of sports expansion, it seems like Portland has come out on top once again! Reports have confirmed that the city will be home to a new WNBA expansion franchise, marking the league's first new team since the Atlanta Dream made their debut back in 2008. Set to hit the hardwood for the 2026 season, Portland is officially going to have a sister team to cheer for alongside their beloved Trail Blazers. Talk about a basketball paradise!

Leading the ownership group for this exciting new venture are Lisa and Alex Bhathal, who have already made quite the name for themselves in the sports world with the Portland Thorns soccer club. This dynamic duo is no stranger to handling sports franchises, as they are children of Raj Bhathal, principal co-owner of the Sacramento Kings. With such a strong family lineage in professional sports, it’s clear that this new WNBA team is in great hands!

Rumors had been swirling about the possibility of a Portland team since last year, and it appears that excitement will soon become reality. The official announcement is expected to drop on September 10, and locals couldn’t be more thrilled. Not only will fans have yet another team to rally behind, but this addition to the WNBA is set to further showcase the incredible talent of female athletes in the league, which has been growing exponentially over the last few years.

As the WNBA continues to expand its reach, the addition of the Portland franchise will undoubtedly open up even more opportunities for players and fans alike. This move is not only a win for Portland, but it also adds another layer of competitiveness to the league. Mark your calendars for 2026, because that’s when the new WNBA team will take to the court – and who knows, maybe we'll see a friendly rivalry develop between the new Portland squad and the Trail Blazers!

Did you know that the Portland Thorns, owned by the Bhathal family, won the NWSL championship in 2013, 2017, and 2021? That's impressive! Plus, the WNBA already boasts incredible athletes like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, who have taken women's basketball to new heights. It’s an exhilarating time to be a sport fan in Portland!