The historic launch establishes RCSN as one of the first over-the-air networks centered on women’s sports.

Portland, OR – Gray Media and RAJ Sports today announced the debut of Rose City SportsNet™ (RCSN), a new network based in Portland focused on women’s sports.

Beginning April 29, KPDX FOX 12 Plus will officially rebrand as Rose City SportsNet™, establishing a year-round destination for premium live games available free over-the-air, along with studio shows, and original programming rooted in Portland’s identity as the Rose City. RCSN will be the official local broadcast home of the Portland Fire (WNBA) and the Portland Thorns (NWSL), reinforcing a sustained commitment to women’s sports and to the communities that support them.

“There is undeniable demand for women’s sports, and for too long, access hasn’t kept pace with that growth,” said Lisa Bhathal Merage, Co-Managing Partner of RAJ Sports and Governor of the Portland Fire & Portland Thorns. “Rose City SportsNet is intentionally designed to create a consistent, premium home for these athletes and teams, while setting a new standard for how women’s sports can be seen, valued, and experienced.”

The launch of RCSN coincides with the Portland Fire’s first preseason game on April 29 against the Seattle Storm in the team’s return to the WNBA. RCSN will carry the game, along with a select schedule of additional Portland Fire games. Simultaneously, the Portland Thorns match against the San Diego Wave will air on KPTV FOX 12 with a re-broadcast to immediately follow on RCSN following the Fire game.

Rose City SportsNet will produce pre- and post-game shows, Fire Courtside Live, beginning 30 minutes prior to tip-offs for games carried on RCSN. The show will be anchored by KPTV FOX 12 Sports Director Nick Krupke and WNBA veteran Sheri Sam.

“Rose City SportsNet reflects what Portland represents – resilience, creativity, and momentum – and it arrives at a time when women’s sports are leading the evolution of athletics,” said Corey Hanson, Regional Vice-President and General Manager, KPTV FOX 12. “We’re proud to introduce a network that elevates athletes and teams through premium coverage and meaningful community connection.”

RCSN is the latest investment from RAJ Sports in Portland, developed in collaboration with Gray Media, and reinforces the city’s position as the global epicenter for women’s sports. Together, these efforts reflect a long-term commitment to growing the women’s game through increased visibility, infrastructure, and year-round fan engagement.

“Rose City SportsNet is a first-of-its-kind step, but more importantly, it’s a sustainable one,” said Alex Bhathal, Co-Managing Partner of RAJ Sports and Alternate Governor of Portland Fire and Portland Thorns. “There’s real demand for women’s sports, and this gives us a model that matches that demand with consistent access and long-term value. It’s good for our teams, our partners, and the broader Portland community.”

April 29’s pregame coverage of the Fire will begin at 6:30pm PCT, followed by game tip-off 7pm PCT with Fire Courtside Live at the Half. Games will be followed by Fire Courtside Live Postgame show. For the Thorns, match coverage begins at 7pm on KPTV FOX 12.

Fans can find Rose City SportsNet™ on the same channel position currently home to KPDX FOX 12 PLUS: over the air on 49.1 and on most local cable systems, 13 or 713 (or one click up from KPTV, FOX12 Oregon)

About RAJ Sports
Portland Fire is one of the Women’s National Basketball Association’s newest franchises, making its official on-court debut in 2026. Owned by RAJ Sports – led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage – the team is more than a franchise; it’s the revival of a movement, honoring the legacy of the original Portland Fire while blazing a bold new path forward. Based in Portland, Oregon, the global epicenter of women’s sports, Portland Fire is rooted in the Rose City’s enduring resilience, spirit, and passion for sport.

Looking ahead, RAJ Sports will open the world’s first dual-sport women’s performance center in 2026. The 100,000-square-foot Kaiser Permanente Performance Center will house both the Fire and the NWSL’s Portland Thorns, and will foster an environment that champions innovation, elevates athlete development, and enhances elite performance.

About KPDX/KPTV
Owned by Gray Media, KPDX/KPTV is Portland’s leading news and information providers across all media platforms including broadcast television, streaming, and digital with an emphasis on local content, local programming and community engagement. KPDX and KPTV produce and simultaneously deliver more than 80 hours of news weekly to the largest audience share in the Portland market reaching the majority of Portland television market’s households. KPTV is the broadcast market leader in community outreach, in addition to providing creative and effective advertising and marketing solutions. For more visit www.kptv.com.

Related News

Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Inductee Sylvia Fowles Joins the Portland Fire as Assistant Coach

Portland Fire Names Alex Sarama As Head Coach

Portland Fire Announces Vanja Černivec as General Manager

Portland Fire Ignites, Team Surpasses 12,500 Season Ticket Deposits in Days Following Brand Reveal