WNBA heads back to Portland - The Media Leader
Portland is set to become the newest home to a WNBA team. An expansion franchise will begin playing in the 2026 season, bringing the total number of teams to 15
us.themedialeader.comHere’s a concise update based on the latest publicly reported information.
- Portland is set to welcome a new WNBA expansion team that will begin play in 2026, making it the league’s 15th franchise.[2][3]
- The team will play home games at the Moda Center, with plans to add a dedicated practice facility and opportunities for local collaborations, signaling a strong community and business backing in Portland.[3][2]
- Local government and fans have expressed enthusiasm, highlighting Portland’s history with women’s sports and strong support networks surrounding teams like the Thorns; a block party and fan celebrations occurred around the announcement.[2][3]
Illustration: imagine Portland expanding its basketball footprint similarly to how the Thorns have energized women’s soccer, with a new WNBA team leveraging Moda Center for games and a separate training facility to build culture and development.
If you’d like, I can pull more detailed results (e.g., intended team name, ownership specifics, or schedule projections) or summarize how Portland’s expansion compares to other recent WNBA expansions.
Citations:
- Portland to receive a 15th WNBA franchise starting in 2026; plans include Moda Center games and a practice facility.[3][2]
- Official announcements and fan reactions highlighting Portland’s sports culture and support for women’s athletics.[2][3]