Bhathal Siblings Invest $125 Million in Portland WNBA Franchise

Alex Bhathal and his sister Lisa Bhathal Merage, through their family investment firm RAJ Sports, have secured control of the newly announced Portland WNBA expansion franchise, which commenced play in the 2026 season. The acquisition, finalized in September 2024 for $125 million, has rapidly seen the team's valuation surge to $380 million. This move signifies a significant expansion of their sports portfolio, following their earlier acquisition of the Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in early 2024 for a reported $63 million. The Bhathal siblings are actively investing in Portland's sports landscape, having recently opened the $150 million Kaiser Permanente Performance Center in the past month. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a joint training ground for both the Portland Fire and the Portland Thorns, underscoring their commitment to the city and women's sports. Alex Bhathal expressed his gratitude and surprise at the rapid success, telling Fortune that they are "really grateful and appreciative of being able to do this in a city like Portland, where it is the global epicenter of women's sports." The Portland Fire is currently demonstrating strong fan engagement, holding the fourth-highest attendance among the WNBA's 15 franchises, with an average of approximately 14,500 fans per game during their inaugural season. The siblings' entrepreneurial spirit and investment strategy are deeply influenced by their father, Raj Bhathal, an Indian immigrant who arrived in the U.S. in 1960 and became a businessman and sports investor. His teachings, including superstitions like a twitching left eye signaling incoming money, have seemingly guided their ventures. The family's business acumen also extends to their parents' swimwear company, which laid the foundation for their subsequent investments. The siblings' father, Raj Bhathal, and mother, Martha, instilled a strong work ethic and business sense that has been passed down through generations. This familial legacy is evident in RAJ Sports' strategic approach to acquiring and developing sports franchises. The Bhathal family's journey from their father's immigration to the U.S. in 1960 to their current prominent position in professional sports ownership highlights a remarkable trajectory of success. Their initial foray into sports investment with the Portland Thorns demonstrated a keen understanding of the growing market for women's professional leagues. The subsequent acquisition of the WNBA franchise further solidifies their commitment to elevating women's athletics. The rapid growth in valuation and fan attendance for the Portland Fire suggests a successful integration into the league and a strong connection with the local fanbase. The investment in the Kaiser Permanente Performance Center also signals a long-term vision for player development and team infrastructure, aiming to provide top-tier facilities for both the Fire and the Thorns.