The WNBA is set to expand with the addition of two new franchises, one in the Bay Area and another in Portland. The league has been considering Portland as a potential expansion city, and talks have reached the WNBA Board of Governors for approval.
Leading the bid for a Portland franchise is Kirk Brown, a local billionaire who co-founded DiscoverOrg, now known as ZoomInfo. The city of Portland has a strong women’s sports scene, with the Portland Thorns in the NWSL and successful women’s college basketball programs at Oregon and Oregon State.
This would not be Portland’s first attempt at a WNBA franchise. The Portland Fire existed from 2000 to 2002 but did not find long-term success. However, the landscape of women’s basketball has changed since then, with the sport thriving nationwide and the WNBA on the rise.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert visited Portland last February and held an event focused on women’s sports, featuring prominent women in sports from around the state. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has also been actively involved in supporting the bid for a WNBA franchise in Portland.
The potential addition of a team in Portland is an exciting development for the city and its passionate sports fans. With successful women’s sports teams already in place and a strong interest in women’s basketball, Portland could be a perfect fit for a WNBA franchise.
In recent years, the WNBA has seen increased popularity and support, with growing attendance and viewership. The league has made significant strides in promoting gender equality and empowering female athletes. Adding new franchises will further expand the reach of women’s basketball and provide more opportunities for players to showcase their talent.
The Bay Area expansion team has already been announced and is set to begin play in 2025. The addition of a team in Portland would further strengthen the league’s presence on the West Coast and create new rivalries within the Pacific Division.
As the WNBA continues to grow and evolve, expansion is a natural next step. The addition of new franchises will not only bring more excitement to the league but also provide economic benefits to the host cities. With the potential addition of teams in both the Bay Area and Portland, the WNBA is poised for continued success and growth in the coming years.
In conclusion, the WNBA is in the process of adding two new expansion franchises, one in the Bay Area and another in Portland. Portland is under strong consideration by the league, with talks reaching the WNBA Board of Governors for approval. The city’s vibrant women’s sports scene and strong interest in women’s basketball make it an ideal location for a WNBA franchise. With the league’s increasing popularity and support, expansion is a natural next step to further promote women’s basketball and provide more opportunities for players. The addition of new franchises will not only bring excitement to the league but also provide economic benefits to the host cities. The WNBA’s expansion plans signify a bright future for women’s basketball and the continued growth of the league.