After years of conflicting statements and reports, extensive studies and shifting timelines, the WNBA has finally moved on expansion. Earlier this week, the league officially announced a new franchise will begin play in the Bay Area in 2025, and according to The Oregonian, another new franchise starting in Portland is “close to a done deal,” and an announcement will come before the end of the month.
That coincides with other media reports. The Rose Garden Report has said, “There are strong indications that Portland is next.” The Athletic has stated Portland was “under strong consideration” and The Next described Portland as “expected” to be awarded a team.
Furthermore, there have been positive updates from Sport Oregon CEO Jim Etzel and Oregon senator Ron Wyden.
Here’s Etzel: “We believe the WNBA would benefit greatly with a franchise in Portland as we are the best market for women’s sports in the world — just ask the [NWSL Portland] Thorns.”
And Wyden’s spokesperson: Wyden “remains confident the scoreboard will end up with Portland winning that franchise.”
Portland was not initially thought to be one of the main contenders for a franchise, but Toronto is no longer in the running — in…
