Portland’s upcoming WNBA franchise has taken a significant step toward its 2026 debut by breaking ground on a state-of-the-art training facility. This marks the first joint training centre for women’s teams across different sports leagues.
The $150 million complex, located in Hillsboro, Oregon, will be shared with the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
A First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration
The facility showcases a groundbreaking collaboration between the WNBA and NWSL, setting new standards in women’s professional sports. The Bhathal family, through RAJ Sports, who also own stakes in the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, will oversee the project. Both teams will benefit from shared resources and a unified vision for athlete development.
Facility Features and Amenities
Spanning 12 acres, the complex will transform former Nike office buildings into a 63,000-square-foot training centre. Key features include:
- A 17,000-square-foot practice gym with two full-size basketball courts
- Two full-sized soccer pitches and an outdoor training area
- A 5,000-square-foot strength training centre with an outdoor turf zone
- Recovery and rehabilitation areas, including hyperbaric therapy and red-light therapy
- Locker rooms, lounges, film theatres, dining facilities, and team offices
The facility’s design integrates input from athletes to ensure it meets their needs, with a focus on holistic wellness and performance optimisation.
Community and Leadership Support
The groundbreaking ceremony drew notable figures, including Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, and NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. Their attendance highlights the project’s importance to both the community and women’s sports at large.
Looking Ahead
With the facility set to open before the 2026 WNBA season, Portland’s new team will play home games at the Moda Centre, the same venue that hosted the Portland Fire from 2000 to 2002. The team’s name and branding will likely be unveiled in the coming months, pending final league approval.
This development reinforces Portland’s commitment to advancing women’s professional sports and sets a precedent for future collaborations between leagues.
