One doesn’t need to point out the obvious but the NWSL is certainly on the course of greatness. Each day, we are witnessing significant developments in and around America’s women’s soccer landscape. The latest one sees the Portland Thorns unveiling a groundbreaking project alongside their new WNBA franchise for a whopping $150 million.
For the first time in the history of both soccer and basketball, a one-of-a-kind dual sports women’s performance center is being made. The new training establishment is bound to elevate modern standards of sports facilities. Evidently, the decision was announced by the stakeholders, RAJ Sports. It is a sports investment platform of the Bhathal Family who own and operate Portland’s both the NWSL and WNBA franchises.
Precisely, there has never been a training center that serves two professional teams of different sports. So what Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal-led organizations are doing is far more than just groundbreaking. In fact, they rather lived up to their promise, having given word of building a dedicated facility for the team.
“When we acquired the Portland Thorns and the Portland WNBA franchise our family committed to investing into the Thorns, the WNBA franchise, and the Portland metro region” said Lisa Bhathal Merage. “Building an innovative training facility that provides the best possible environment for our athletes across professional soccer and professional basketball will be a game changer for women’s sports,” she added.
Lisa insisted that the Bhathal family aims to establish the “most inclusive and welcoming environment” not just for their players and staff, but also become an “elite organization” beyond the field and court for their ardent supporters, fans, partners, and community. In addition, Portland mentioned in its press release that the new center is built with more than just the intention of elevating the performance of teams and players.
The reason why they decided to go with a dual setup is because they believe “it will foster an environment of interaction between both teams while embracing the importance of family, community, and the evolving needs of female athletes.” So expect both the NWSL and WNBA sides to not only train like champions but also create a camaraderie like never before.
Notably, the total cost of the campus exceeds $150 million. In fact, the construction is planned in multiple phases, with the first stage alone expected to cost $75 million. The project will be led by renowned architecture and design firm Populous. Given how much Portland is spending, let’s hear its state-of-the-art features!
The new performance center of Portland Thorns is no less than a dream for sports fanatics!
The new Portland performance center is spread across 63,000 square feet. It is designed to provide an elite environment and all the world-class amenities for athletes. It features a 17,000-square-foot practice gym with two full-size basketball courts and two full-sized soccer pitches. They are also complemented by an outdoor training zone. The facility includes a 5,000-square-foot strength training area, equipped with top-of-the-line equipment, an outdoor turf zone, and a dedicated yoga and Pilates room. The elite training core program integrates strength and conditioning, sports science, and sports medicine to optimize athlete performance.
Of course, the whole facility is designed by keeping the female athlete in mind. Hence, the center offers dedicated dressing rooms for the WNBA and NWSL teams, complete with spa-like amenities. A dining room with a full-time chef and nutritionist provides performance-focused meals and refueling stations throughout the facility. Additional features include dedicated rooms for players’ families, team meeting rooms, and social media content rooms to support both on-field and off-field development. For convenience and security, the facility also offers private player parking and a designated player entry.
What are your thoughts on this new groundbreaking development from Portland Thorns? Let us know in the comments.
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