WNBA heads back to Portland - The Media Leader
Portland is set to become the newest home to a WNBA team. An expansion franchise will begin playing in the 2026 season, bringing the total number of teams to 15
us.themedialeader.comHere’s the latest on the WNBA in Portland:
- Portland is set to host a new WNBA expansion team that will begin play in 2026, bringing the league to 15 teams. The team is backed by the Bhathal family and will play its home games at the Moda Center in Portland.[1][2][3]
- Officials have indicated plans for a dedicated practice facility and a training center, with fan input shaping aspects like the team name. Portland has a strong track record supporting women’s sports, which bodes well for the franchise’s early momentum.[2][3][1]
- Local reaction has been enthusiastic, with coverage highlighting the return of WNBA basketball to Portland after more than two decades and the potential for strong community engagement around the new team.[3][8][9]
If you’d like, I can pull together a concise timeline of key announcements and a quick map of where games and facilities will be located, or summarize reactions from local outlets.
Citations:
- Expansion announced for 2026, Portland to host 15th team; Moda Center as home venue.[1][2][3]
- Plans for practice facility and community engagement; Portland sports culture support cited.[3][1]
- Local coverage and fan reactions to the announcement.[8][9][3]