NWSL franchise Portland Thorns sells for record amount

In a sign of the sure footing that professional women's soccer has now gained in the United States, one of the more popular teams in the sport is selling for a record sum.

According to multiple media reports, the Portland Thorns, who play in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), are being sold to sibling entrepreneurs Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal for $63 million. They are purchasing the team from Merritt Paulson, who also owns the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The Bhathal siblings, who built a swimwear business before selling it and building an investment firm, also hold a minority ownership stake in the NBA's Sacramento Kings. Last season, the franchise broke a North American major pro sports record playoff drought after the 2022-23 season, all while building a new sellout streak at the recently built Golden 1 Center. The Bhathals additionally have stakes in the Kings' G League affiliate in Stockton as well as a minor league baseball team in Sacramento.

In a statement shared by The Oregonian, Bhathal Merage talked about the acquisition:

“This is a milestone day for our family, and for the amazing Portland community,” Bhathal Merage, who will serve as the Thorns’ controlling owner and NWSL governor, said in a news release. “Everything we do centers on positive impact. As fans ourselves, and as seasoned sports and real estate operators, we believe in the future of Portland and the NWSL, and in the tremendous opportunity that surrounds this iconic team.”

In December 2022, Paulsen announced his intention to sell the Thorns after the findings of the U.S. Soccer Federation's explosive investigation into allegations of abuse within the NWSL. The investigation stated that Paulsen knew of "non-sexual abuses" by his former coach Paul Riley as well as an ill-informed comment from a former team executive against one of Riley's accusers.

Led by Christine Sinclair and Sophia Smith, the Thorns are three-time league champions and have stood as the crown jewel of the league for most of its inception. While the actual sale doesn't top the valuation of Angel City FC, the valuations of each franchise have grown over the years and the NWSL's new television deal that goes into effect in 2024 will only add more dollars to those totals.