The start of the 2024 NWSL season is still a few months off, but one team are already making major waves even before the first matches get underway later this year.
Portland Thorns, who narrowly missed out on the league title after finishing in second spot, two points behind NWSL Shield Winners San Diego Wave, will now have some new owners for the first time since 2013.
According to reports, the Thorns' new owners will be siblings Alex Bhathal and his sister Lisa Bhathal Merage, whose family made their fortunes thanks to the creation of swimwear company RAJ Swim. After selling it, the family then formed RAJ Capital which serves to oversee the running of their various sporting entities which include NBA team Sacramento Kings.
Notably, the deal, which sees long-time owner Merritt Paulson end his 11 year association with the club, cost the Bhathal family approximately $63 million. This sets a new record for the highest amount ever paid for a NWSL club in franchise history, surpassing the $35.5 million that was paid when the Chicago Red Stars were sold to Laura Ricketts and a consortium of investors in September 2023.
