Portland Unveils Nation's First Joint Training Center Dedicated to Women's Sports

2026-08-22 companies

Hillsboro, Saturday, 22 August 2026.
RAJ Sports unveiled a $150 million multi-sport performance center in Oregon, marking the nation’s first purpose-built, shared training facility exclusively serving professional female soccer and basketball athletes.

RAJ Sports Unveils Historic Joint Training Facility in Oregon

RAJ Sports has officially unveiled the Kaiser Permanente Performance Center, a $150 million dual-sport complex located in Hillsboro, Oregon [5]. The facility, which serves as the new training home for the National Women’s Soccer League’s Portland Thorns and the WNBA’s Portland Fire, was unveiled to media on Friday, August 21, 2026, with a formal ribbon-cutting scheduled for August 22, 2026 [1][5]. This development marks the first purpose-built training center in the United States designed exclusively for professional women’s teams across different sports [5][6]. The 12-acre site is situated on Aloclek Drive near the Cornelius Pass exit off Highway 26, providing a dedicated infrastructure hub for the franchises [2]. Ownership groups indicate this capital allocation aims to build franchise enterprise value and attract top athletic talent by addressing historical disparities in facility quality [1][2].

Infrastructure Specifications and Athlete Amenities

The Kaiser Permanente Performance Center spans 100,000 square feet and integrates elite performance amenities under one roof [1][3]. The complex features two full-sized soccer pitches and an outdoor training zone tailored for the Thorns, alongside a 17,000-square-foot practice gym containing two full-sized basketball courts for the Fire [2][4]. A 5,000-square-foot strength and performance center includes industry-leading equipment from Nike Strength and Lifetime Fitness, complemented by hydrotherapy pools and an underwater treadmill [3][5]. Beyond physical training, the facility offers a full-service dining room led by a full-time chef, content creation studios, and secure private player entrances with parking [3][4]. Specific attention was paid to player welfare, with dedicated family spaces and two mother’s rooms included to support athletes who are parents [1].

Strategic Investment in Women’s Professional Sports

This infrastructure project underscores the growing commercial momentum within women’s professional sports, as ownership groups increasingly invest in dedicated facilities [1]. The opening coincides with RAJ Sports’ second annual Epicenter of Women’s Sports celebration, which includes a leadership summit and community events [1][3]. During Epicenter Week, Nike and RAJ Sports announced a new partnership to advance women’s professional sports in Portland, further solidifying the region’s status as an epicenter for the industry [3]. Lisa Bhathal Merage, RAJ Sports Co-Owner and Governor for both teams, stated the facility reflects a long-term investment in player performance and wellbeing [2]. The project was designed by Populous, with Portland-based Hoffman Construction serving as the general contractor [1].

Operational Timeline and Player Transition

Portland Fire players are preparing to fully move into and begin practicing at the new facility following the unveiling [2]. Prior to this opening, the Portland Fire utilized Portland State University, the Moda Center, and the Nike campus in Beaverton for practices, while the Thorns trained at Providence Park [2][5]. Bridget Carleton, a forward for the Fire, described the building as incredible and noted the spa-like feel intended for women’s sports [2]. Emily Engstler, a WNBA player, expressed gratitude for the organization’s investment, highlighting that such facilities were not available four or five years ago for many teams [2]. Kaiser Permanente, serving as the official physicians and healthcare providers, will offer sports medicine and mental health services at the location [1]. Full move-in and practice operations are commencing immediately following the opening events [2].

Sources

Sports Business Women's Sports