Groundbreaking Alliance: Portland's New Performance Center for Women's Sports

In an extraordinary move for women's sports, the city of Portland is paving the way for unprecedented collaboration between two premier women's teams—the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the yet-to-be-named WNBA franchise. Set to launch prior to the 2026 WNBA season, this innovative $150 million performance center will be a hub for training, growth, and community.

A Transformative Facility

Located on a sprawling 12-acre site in Hillsboro, just west of Portland, the training center will breathe new life into a facility previously owned by Nike. The campus will boast world-class amenities, including:

• Locker rooms and lounges for both teams
• Two soccer fields and a designated outdoor training area
• A gym featuring two basketball courts
• State-of-the-art strength training and rehabilitation areas
• Film theaters and a dining room for team nourishment and bonding
• Dedicated offices for team operations

By sharing this facility, both teams aim to foster a sense of community and empowerment, providing athletes with a space where they feel acknowledged and valued. Karina LeBlanc, the executive vice president of strategic growth for RAJ Sports, emphasized that this venture is about the athletes: “They get to walk into a building where they feel like they belong, and they feel like they're seen and heard.”

A Legacy of Excellence

The Portland Thorns have been trailblazers in the NWSL since their founding in 2013 and are known for their passionate fan base and commitment to excellence. The new WNBA team, owned by the Bhathal family who also controls the Sacramento Kings, marks a significant return to the league for Portland, which previously had the Portland Fire from 2000 until its closure in 2002.

With a rich history and a dedicated ownership group, the news of this joint training facility is a beacon of hope for the city’s sports landscape, drawing attention to women's athletics and empowering both teams for future success.

A City for Champions

Portland, home to major brands and elite athletes, is the perfect backdrop for this cutting-edge collaboration. “It's momentum. It's a movement,” LeBlanc asserted, highlighting the city's role in setting the stage for this next chapter in women's sports. The performance center represents not just a training ground but a symbolic step toward equality and recognition for female athletes in all sports.

As fans, we can look forward to a thrilling future for both the Thorns and the new WNBA team, as they continue to inspire the next generation of athletes and sports enthusiasts in Portland and beyond.