Rumors

Portland’s expansion WNBA franchise has hired CAA Search, the executive search branch of Creative Artists Agency, to identify and recruit candidates for the team’s GM position. RAJ Sports -- whose co-founders Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal own the Portland franchise, as well as the NWSL Portland Thorns -- initiated the directive in an announcement on Wednesday. The Bhathals made clear that the new GM will oversee basketball operations, personnel choices, coaching hires, salary cap management and long-term roster decisions. Joe Aiken, partner at CAA Search, has been tasked with canvassing the country for the right candidates.

Sports Business Journal

The WNBA has granted Portland, Oregon an expansion team. The new Portland franchise will join the league as the 15th team and is set to begin play in 2026. The expansion team will be owned by RAJ sports, which is run by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. RAJ sports also owns the Portland Thorns of the NWSL.

RealGM

After a previously planned WNBA expansion team fell through just before the finish line last fall, Portland is closing in on finally landing a team that will begin playing in 2026, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the plans. The Bhathal family, owners of the NWSL’s Portland Thorns, will lead the ownership group for the new team, sources say.

Rose Garden Report

The Portland Thorns have been acquired by the Bhathal family, investors in the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, the National Women’s Soccer League team announced Wednesday. RAJ Sports purchased the team for $63 million, according to a person familiar with the deal.

opb.org