Portland’s Landmark Women’s Sports Doubleheader
On a crisp Saturday in Portland, the Thorns and the Fire staged a first‑of‑its‑kind doubleheader that paired a National Women’s Soccer League match with a Women’s National Basketball Association showdown, turning the city into a showcase for the rising popularity of women’s professional sports.
Fans who purchased the $80 ticket package enjoyed both events, while limited‑edition T‑shirts bearing the slogan “Portland Loves Women’s Sports” became a instant collector’s item. The Thorns attracted 20,053 spectators to their contest against the Utah Royals, and the Fire sold out the Moda Center with 19,347 attendees for the game against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
The basketball side of the evening ended in a decisive 100‑84 victory for the Fire, a result that sparked a brief but enthusiastic exchange of jerseys between Olivia Moultrie and Clark, underscoring the personal connections forming across the league.
Beyond the spectacle, the two clubs are united by ownership: Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, through Raj Sports, have announced plans to share a $150 million performance center on a 12‑acre site that was once a Nike facility west of Portland. The center is slated to open on August 22 and will serve as a shared training hub for both teams.
Thorns head coach Robert Vilahamn highlighted the significance of the collaboration, noting that the partnership reflects a broader commitment to community support and the growth of women’s sports in the region. He emphasized that the joint venture is about more than competition — it is about building a lasting legacy together.