PORTLAND, Ore. — June 26, 2025 — RAJ Sports, owners of the Portland WNBA expansion team set to tip off in 2026, announced today that the team has surpassed 10,000 season ticket deposits. This monumental milestone puts the team on pace to surpass previous WNBA season ticket deposit records and shows Portland’s passion for professional women’s basketball and women’s sports.

“Something truly groundbreaking is happening in Portland,” said Lisa Bhathal Merage, Portland WNBA Co-Owner and Governor. “The energy and support pouring in from this community are unmatched. Portland is proving that when a city commits to women’s sports, the results aren’t just impressive, they’re historic. This response is a powerful testament to Portland’s leadership and passion in women’s athletics.”

Portland WNBA’s inaugural season will tip off in 2026 with home games at the Moda Center in downtown Portland. Following this momentous milestone, the franchise is set to unveil additional details surrounding the team’s name, logo and more on Tuesday, July 15, delivering fans a distinct and compelling identity to rally around.

“This extraordinary level of community engagement goes beyond casual interest, it further cements Portland’s position as the global epicenter of women’s sports,” said Mike Whitehead, Managing Director of RAJ Sports. “From grassroots programs to professional platforms, Portland is setting the standard for how a city rallies around, supports and elevates women’s athletics at every level.”

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.

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Media Contact: WNBAPortland@berkcommunications.com

About 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.