After missing out on buying the Trail Blazers, the Bhathal family strengthens its commitment to Portland with significant investments in women's sports.
With uncertainty surrounding the Trail Blazers under new owner Tom Dundon, the Bhathal family is pouring their resources into women's sports in Portland through their ownership of the NWSL's Thorns and WNBA's Fire. Having previously attempted to acquire the Blazers, Lisa Bhathal Merage and her brother Alex faced disappointment when Dundon’s group ultimately secured the franchise. This setback prompted the siblings to shift their focus entirely toward their current sports properties.
The Bhathals expressed their determination to move forward. “What happens for a reason happens for a reason,” Bhathal Merage remarked during a recent event. The family's commitment to the Fire and Thorns highlights their belief in the future of women’s sports in a city that is rapidly becoming known as a hub for female athletics.
Contrast in Leadership Styles
There's a stark contrast between Dundon's approach to the Blazers and the Bhathals’ strategy with their teams. Dundon has faced backlash for adopting a cost-cutting strategy, which included layoffs and an unusually short contract for new head coach Micah Nori. Financial disputes also arose over necessary renovations to the Moda Center—the Blazers’ home arena—raising concerns about the team's long-term future in Portland. Speculation has intensified, with some suggesting that the Blazers could potentially relocate if the ownership continues on its current path.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver weighed in on the matter, stating, “I would see it as a failure if we did not keep the team in Portland.” His words reflect the strong desire for the Blazers to maintain their presence in a city that has long supported them.
Investing in the Future of Women's Sports
In contrast, the Bhathals have not just maintained their presence but have significantly expanded it. They recently inaugurated the Kaiser Permanente Performance Center, a state-of-the-art facility costing over $150 million, specifically designed with female athletes in mind. This center spans nearly 100,000 square feet and includes two full-size soccer pitches and basketball courts, as well as amenities tailored for athletes’ families. Bhathal Merage emphasized its importance: “It is a home for our athletes. Great athletes want great environments, so it will hopefully attract and retain athletes, as well as staff, to us in Portland.”
The investment represents a long-term vision, leveraging Portland's thriving fanbase. Alex Bhathal described the city as the “global epicenter of women’s sports,” reflecting on the passionate support for the Thorns, which boasts an average attendance of over 19,000 this season—the highest in the NWSL. This was a marked contrast to his astonishment at witnessing 26,000 fans at a Thorns game, a number that eclipses typical attendance figures seen at NBA or NHL games.
Growing the Women’s Sports Market
The Bhathals identify Portland as a unique opportunity within the women's sports landscape. “For a city that has two-and-a-half million people, [Portland is] really a mid-market unicorn,” Bhathal Merage noted. They believe that the WNBA and NWSL are not mere trends but represent important, enduring markets within the sporting world.
While they also co-own the Sacramento Kings, the focus on the Portland teams underlines a strategic shift towards strengthening their women’s sports investments. Bhathal Merage firmly stated, “Women’s sports is here to stay,” recognizing the longevity and growth potential within the industry. This viewpoint aligns with insights from industry experts suggesting that WNBA team values could rival those of the NHL in the near future as attendance and sponsorship revenues surge.
Both Bhathals remain optimistic about the future of women's sports, citing recent metrics that indicate robust growth across various dimensions, from merchandise sales to media rights. “We think there’s so much growth ahead in women’s sports,” Alex reiterated, confident in their trajectory toward equality with men's sports in terms of valuations.
What’s Next for Portland’s Sporting Future?
The Bhathals' commitment to Portland's women’s sports community points toward an exciting evolution in the industry. While the Blazers’ future remains uncertain under Dundon’s ownership, the Bhathals are crafting a new narrative centered around empowerment and growth for female athletes in the region. Their strategic investments and unwavering support for the Fire and Thorns are setting the stage for a thriving sports culture in Portland, ultimately aiming to leave a lasting impact on both the local community and the broader landscape of women’s sports.
