The WNBA has granted Portland, Oregon an growth staff. The brand new Portland franchise will be a part of the league because the fifteenth staff and is about to start play in 2026.
The growth staff can be owned by RAJ sports activities, which is run by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. RAJ sports activities additionally owns the Portland Thorns of the NWSL.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert stated that the league is on monitor so as to add a sixteenth staff in 2027 or 2028. Subsequent season, the Golden State Valkyries will be a part of the WNBA. In 2026, Portland and a beforehand introduced Toronto franchise will be a part of the league.