The WNBA announced Wednesday it has awarded Portland, Oregon a new expansion franchise, which will begin play in the 2026 season. By then, the league will have 15 teams, with the Golden State Valkyries set to join next season and a yet unnamed Toronto franchise also arriving in 2026.

The WNBA is headed back to Portland, with Oregon’s biggest city getting an expansion team that will begin play in 2026.

The city originally had an WNBA team named the Fire, which played from 2000 to 2002 before it folded. Portland, which will be the league's 15th team, will be the third expansion franchise added to the WNBA over the next two years. Golden State will begin play next season and Toronto will join Portland in 2026.

Portland, Oregon, has become the latest city to benefit from the Women's National Basketball Association's rapid expansion plans after being awarded a franchise on Wednesday that will begin play in 2026.

The WNBA is growing from 12 teams to 15 with the additions of Golden State (in 2025) as well as Toronto and Portland in 2026.

The WNBA continues to see historic growth this season, announcing Wednesday that Portland will see the return of a women's basketball team in 2026.

Portland, Ore., will be home to the 15th WNBA franchise, the league announced Wednesday. RAJ Sports, led by controlling owner Lisa Bhathal Merage and her brother, Alex Bhathal, will own and operate the franchise,

The WNBA is returning to Portland, Oregon, starting in 2026, with the new franchise set to become the WNBA’s 15th team, the league announced Wednesday.