Portland Thorns Begin New Chapter After Ownership Change

The Portland Thorns are charting a new course following a significant ownership change that has revitalized the club and its fan base. On January 3, 2024, RAJ Sports, led by siblings Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, officially took over from Merritt Paulson, who faced extensive backlash during the abuse scandal that affected the team and the NWSL as a whole. This transition has sparked a renewed sense of enthusiasm among supporters, as evidenced by a recent match where the Thorns secured a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Reign in front of a crowd of 21,811 fans.

As the Thorns attempt to reclaim their former glory, the absence of protest signs, such as “Sell The Team” and “You Knew,” during recent games illustrates a shift in sentiment. Fan engagement has improved significantly, allowing supporters to focus on the team rather than the controversies of the past. Gabby Rosas, the former president of the 107IST, expressed that “the joy is back” in the stands, highlighting the importance of this ownership change in restoring confidence among fans.

Rebuilding Trust and Strengthening Community Bonds

The new ownership group is committed to rebuilding trust with fans and sponsors after the fallout from the Yates Report, which revealed systemic abuse within the NWSL. The report implicated former Thorns manager Paul Riley in allegations of sexual coercion and highlighted a toxic workplace culture that persisted under Paulson’s leadership. Following the report’s release, Paulson stepped down as CEO, and the sale of the Thorns was finalized earlier this year.

In their first year of ownership, the Bhathals have engaged in a “listening tour,” reaching out to fans and community stakeholders to better understand the needs of the organization. Their approach aims to create a clear separation from Paulson’s legacy while fostering a new identity for the Thorns. Bhathal noted, “We love business and we love sports, so there’s nothing better than to be the custodians of this community asset.”

The new leadership has also focused on restoring relationships with sponsors that had previously distanced themselves from the team. Notably, Alaska Airlines and Tillamook, former sponsors, have rejoined the Thorns, contributing to a reported increase in sponsorship revenue by over 600% year-on-year. While some sponsors remain hesitant, there is a cautious optimism about the Thorns’ future.

Infrastructure Improvements and On-Field Challenges

Another priority for RAJ Sports is improving the infrastructure for the Thorns. During the previous ownership, the team lacked a dedicated training facility, often practicing on the artificial turf at Providence Park. In May, the new owners broke ground on a shared training facility for the Thorns and the upcoming WNBA franchise, the Fire. This facility is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2026 NWSL season.

While the Thorns are making strides off the field, challenges persist on the pitch. The team faces significant obstacles due to injuries to key players like Sophia Wilson and Morgan Weaver, alongside retirements of club legends such as Christine Sinclair. As of now, the Thorns sit in seventh place, just two points behind third-place Orlando, illustrating the competitive nature of the league.

New general manager Jeff Agoos and manager Rob Gale are working to reshape the team’s culture and approach. Agoos emphasized the need to diversify the team’s scoring options and reset the club’s culture to prioritize integrity and professionalism both on and off the field.

Despite the positive atmosphere surrounding the new ownership, some fans express concerns that the Thorns are losing their identity amid the broader ambitions of RAJ Sports. As the organization positions itself as a leader in women’s sports, there is a desire for the Thorns to remain a focal point rather than being overshadowed by the new WNBA franchise.

Looking ahead, Alex Bhathal remains optimistic about the Thorns’ potential. “We consider ourselves growth stage investors,” he stated, emphasizing the belief that women’s sports franchises will become billion-dollar businesses in the near future. The Thorns’ journey towards reclaiming their stature in women’s soccer is ongoing, but the support from a revitalized fan base and a dedicated ownership group signals a promising future for the club.