Portland Community Shows Incredible Support for New WNBA Franchise

PORTLAND, Ore. (Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024) – Portland WNBA announced today it has reached 5,000 season ticket member deposits ahead of the team’s inaugural season at the Moda Center in 2026.  Portland WNBA has seen tremendous interest from the Portland community, reaching 5,000 deposits in just two weeks since Portland was awarded the WNBA’s 15th franchise on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Portland is the third expansion franchise awarded by the WNBA during this round of expansion, following the Golden State Valkyries and a Toronto franchise, bringing the league from 12 to 15 teams.

“We are thrilled to see the Portland community show its support for the WNBA as we continue to cement our place as the global epicenter for women’s sports,” said Lisa Bhathal Merage. “Our goal is to build an organization and a team that Portland and all of Oregon can be proud of. We are in awe of the incredible support since the announcement and we are excited to continue to engage with our community as we all build towards tip-off in 2026.”

Fans who wish to buy Portland WNBA season tickets can do so by placing a $26 deposit at WNBA.com/portland. Full pricing and seat selection for season tickets will be released at a later date. The deposit ensures access to Portland WNBA season tickets when they become available.

RAJ SPORTS

RAJ Sports, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. In 2013, the Bhathal family became investors in the Sacramento Kings (NBA); subsequently building the platform to include the Sacramento RiverCats (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G-League) and several sports anchored real estate developments. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the WNBA Portland expansion team represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports.