Populous Celebrates Groundbreaking at Dual Training Facility for Portland Thorns and WNBA Expansion Team

Portland, Oregon, loves women’s sports, and the Portland Thorns have one of the most dedicated fan bases in the NWSL. The team, deeply rooted in the community, averaged 18,000 fans per game during the 2024 season – one of the highest in the league.

So, it was only a matter of time before the WNBA came to town.

In late 2024, a new franchise, the league’s 15th, was awarded to Portland. And it just so happens that the owners of the Portland Thorns, Lisa Bhathal Merage and her brother Alex Bhathal, via RAJ Sports, also own the Thorns.

It was this synergy that led to planning for a dual performance facility specifically designed for both the Thorns and the new WNBA team. Populous began designing the project in the Fall of 2024 and on April 23 of this year, community members came together for a groundbreaking celebration that included local, regional and state representative as well as Populous team members Sherri Privitera, Fran Orona, Carissa Barry and Whitney Ranson.

This project will encompass two Populous tenets: sustainability and elevating women’s sports.

The $150 million campus will repurpose a suburban facility formerly occupied by Nike. A prime example of adaptive reuse, this approach reduces the environmental impact of both demolition and new construction by turning an office building into a world-class athletic facility. This methodology also presents an opportunity to introduce more sustainable materials and increase the structure’s energy efficiency.

This dedication to conservation is echoed by the Thorns themselves: the team is actively involved with environmental efforts and has supported the Nature Conservancy and Keep Oregon Green initiatives. To affirm this commitment a commemorative box with seeds was given away that could be mixed with groundbreaking dirt to take home and plant. Beautiful. Sustainable. Memorable.

Team owners and leadership are committed to providing the best possible environment for their athletes and this facility is an example of the rethinking of the development standard of professional women’s sports.

Two full-sized basketball courts, two full-sized soccer pitches and a training facility are just part of this carefully considered project. Additionally, an elite training core program, integrated strength and conditioning, sports science and sports medicine are part of the vision of a community of support for teams and staff.

This facility not only provides excellence in performance, training and recovery spaces but also takes into consideration the kinds of support unique to women. This manifests itself in private dressing, nursing and childcare rooms and dedicated team entries. A full-time chef and nutritionist not only support athlete performance but may also provide a take-home meal for a busy family.

The overall feel of the building will be warm and inviting, creating a second home for athletes and staff who will spend the majority of their days here.

This is the kind of investment that will sustain the growth, impact and profitability of women’s professional sports and propel young girls forward in their journey.