Reports: Portland to get WNBA expansion franchise

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A WNBA expansion team could be awarded to Portland as early as September 10 with the owners of the Portland Thorns as the majority owners of this new franchise, multiple reports said.

According to Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report said the official announcement will be made on that date, with the Bhathal family in ownership. CBS Sports reports the Bhathal family also has a pre-existing relationship with the NBA as Raj Bhathal is the principal co-owner of the Sacramento Kings and serves as majority owner Vivek Ranadive's alternate on the Board of Governors.

The Portland team would begin playing in the WNBA in the 2026 season. It's not known if it will assume the previous team nickname of Fire.

The WNBA recently announced two new expansion teams, the Golden State Valkyries and a currently-unnamed team in Toronto.

KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story.