The WNBA is expanding, and the Golden State Valkyries just might be getting themselves an inaugural rival in the process. According to reporter Sean Highkin, a very trusted authority on Portland athletics, the WNBA will add an expansion team to the Rose City for the 2026 season. Highkin reports that the announcement will be made official on September 10.
Unlike with the Valkyries, who are an expansion team for next year’s 2025 season, the unnamed Portland WNBA squad does not appear to be affiliated with the NBA team in its city. While the Valkyries are owned by Joe Lacob and the rest of the Golden State Warriors ownership group, the Portland squad is being awarded to the Bhathal family, which owns the NWSL’s Portland Thorns.