Photo: Ford, Brad
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. 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. 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-winning Golden 1 Center arena, the four-star Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, and the Sacramento Downtown Commons retail and entertainment district.
Additionally, Lisa and Alex are Co-Founders and Managing Partners of Revitate, a Newport Beach-based investment firm specializing in sports, real estate, and consumer brand investments.
Thorns FC will continue to play their games at Providence Park. The team is under a lease through 2035 at the downtown Portland stadium.
“I have immense pride in what the Portland Thorns have meant for not just the NWSL, but all of women’s sports,” said Peregrine Sports Owner Merritt Paulson. “They have been both aspirational and foundational, a cornerstone franchise of the NWSL that helped grow the league to the successful place it is in today.”
“For this next phase of growth and stability, I am delighted to transfer ownership of the Thorns to Lisa Bhathal Merage and her family, whose extensive experience in sports and business make them ideal owners,” Paulson continues. “Having female-led ownership and a commitment to construct the Thorns a dedicated training facility are tremendous positives. I remain committed to the Thorns’ success at their Providence Park home, and we are excited about making our operating partnership with the Bhathals smooth and successful for all involved, and most importantly, seamless for Thorns players, staff, and fans.”
Today’s announcement follows a formal vote last week by the NWSL Board of Governors to approve the sale. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“This is an exciting day for the NWSL and our continued growth as we welcome this exceptional new ownership group,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “Portland Thorns FC is an iconic club, supported by some of the best fans in sports, and I’m thrilled to welcome Lisa and Alex to the NWSL board.”
Source: Portland Thorns