January 3, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Portland Thorns FC News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, has formally assumed controlling ownership of Portland Thorns FC of the National Women’s Soccer League from Peregrine Sports LLC, the two groups announced today.
Lisa Bhathal Merage will serve as controlling owner and NWSL Governor, while Alex Bhathal will serve as NWSL Alternate Governor.
“This is a milestone day for our family, and for the amazing Portland community,” says Lisa Bhathal Merage. “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.â¯I would like to thank Merritt Paulson for believing in our vision for this club and for all that he and the Thorns have done for the growth of the NWSL and women’s soccer in this country.â¯We look forward to working with the Timbers throughout this transition and beyond to ensure the continued success of the Thorns at Providence Park.”
A key component of its new ownership is RAJ Sports’ commitment to advancing plans for a new first-class, purpose-built, women’s soccer-specific training facility.
“Our vision is to support new, widespread growth for the Thorns, the people of Portland, and for women’s sports as a whole,” Bhathal Merage states. “Specifically, we bring deep experience in professional sports and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, making us well-positioned to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans.”
This acquisition represents the latest in a growing portfolio of sports team ownership positions held by the Bhathal family, who include Lisa, Alex, and their parents Raj and Marta Bhathal. The family’s additional holdings include the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, Sacramento RiverCats AAA baseball club, Stockton Kings NBA-G League club, and Kings Guard NBA 2K e-sports team. Raj currently serves as Vice Chairman and Alternate Governor of the Kings, and Alex serves on the Kings Executive Board. Over the past decade, the Bhathals have played key roles in the growth and development of the Kings, including the development of the award-winningâ¯Golden 1 Center arena, the four-star Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, and the Sacramento Downtown Commons retail and entertainment district.