Wnba commissioner cathy engelbert

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert: The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced on Wednesday that it has awarded Portland, Oregon, the league’s 15th franchise.

The Portland team, set to begin play in the 2026 season, will be owned and operated by RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. Portland is the third expansion franchise awarded by the WNBA during this round of expansion, following the Golden State Valkyries and a Toronto franchise, bringing the league from 12 to 15 teams.