The new joint training facility for the Portland Thorns (NWSL) and Portland’s upcoming WNBA team represents a landmark investment in women’s professional sports. This $150 million project is notable for several reasons:
1. Unprecedented Collaboration: While some WNBA teams share facilities with their NBA counterparts, this is the first time two women’s teams from different leagues will train together under one roof. It signifies a new model for professional women’s sports infrastructure.
2. Strategic Ownership & Investment: The Bhathal family, which has ownership ties to the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, has committed significant resources to both Portland franchises. The $125 million expansion fee for the WNBA team and the $63 million acquisition of the Thorns reflect the increasing financial value of women’s sports teams.
3. Athlete-Centered Approach: The facility’s design was informed by direct input from athletes, which is critical in fostering an elite training environment. Features such as dedicated locker rooms, rehab areas, and film theaters ensure that players receive resources comparable to those in men’s sports.
4. Portland as a Hub for Women’s Sports: The city has a strong reputation for supporting women’s soccer, with the Thorns regularly drawing large crowds. The previous WNBA team, the Portland Fire, had solid attendance before folding due to financial constraints. With the new WNBA franchise playing in the Moda Center, Portland has an opportunity to establish itself as a leader in both leagues.
5. Larger Implications: This initiative sets a precedent for other cities and ownership groups to consider similar cross-league partnerships. The investment signals growing confidence in the profitability and sustainability of women’s professional sports.
Overall, this move enhances Portland’s status as a premier market for women’s sports and reflects a broader trend of increased investment, infrastructure, and visibility for female athletes.
