The Portland Thorns, part of the National Women’s Soccer League, and the soon-to-be-named WNBA team in Portland are set to forge a groundbreaking partnership by training together at a new performance center. This collaboration marks a unique initiative between two women’s professional teams from different sports leagues.

Both teams share ownership under the Bhathal family, who also have a stake in the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. The new facility, which has a budget of $150 million, is anticipated to open its doors before the start of the 2026 WNBA season. It will occupy 12 acres in Hillsboro, a suburb located just west of Portland, and will be repurposed from a previous Nike-owned site.

Planned features of the performance center include locker rooms and lounges for athletes from both teams, two soccer fields, an additional outdoor training space, a gym equipped with two basketball courts, and areas designated for strength training, conditioning, and rehabilitation. Additionally, the center will boast film theaters, a dining room, and offices for team staff.

Portland was granted a WNBA expansion franchise last September, with RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, at the helm. They acquired the franchise for $125 million.

Karina LeBlanc, who serves as the executive vice president for strategic growth at RAJ Sports, mentioned that input was solicited from players during the design process for the facility, which was disclosed publicly on Thursday. “For my generation who played this sport, seeing this feels surreal; it surpasses our dreams. The focus is on the athletes. They will step into a space where they truly belong, feeling acknowledged and valued,” LeBlanc stated, reflecting on her past as both a Thorns goalkeeper and later as their general manager.

Previously, Portland had a WNBA team known as the Fire, which was active from 2000 until its closure in 2002. During its operation, this franchise had a strong fanbase, averaging over 8,000 spectators when games were held at the Rose Garden. The new WNBA franchise will similarly utilize this venue, now called the Moda Center.

The Bhathal family purchased the Thorns for $63 million last year, with the team being one of the founding members of the NWSL when it launched in 2013. Currently, the Thorns conduct their training and home games at Providence Park in downtown Portland.

While some WNBA teams share training facilities with NBA organizations, this groundbreaking collaboration between two women’s teams involved in different sports is unprecedented. LeBlanc expressed pride in the significance of this venture occurring in Portland, highlighting that the city is home to major brands and top-tier athletes. “This adds to the momentum and represents a transformative movement,” she concluded.