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The WNBA is experiencing a momentous time with both its expansion and playoff developments creating buzz. As the league gains traction, the timing of the WNBA playoffs has sparked debates about maximizing viewership while avoiding competition with major sports like the NFL. At the same time, the decision to return a franchise to Portland marks a significant milestone, signaling the league’s growth. This article dives into the WNBA’s strategic expansion, the playoff scheduling concerns, and the potential rise of future stars like USC’s Juju Watkins.
As the WNBA playoffs loom on the horizon, fans and analysts alike are voicing concerns about the timing. The playoffs, set to begin this weekend, are expected to clash with the NFL season, potentially dampening viewership numbers. Historically, the NFL has dominated TV ratings, and WNBA enthusiasts worry this timing could hurt the league’s momentum.
In 2020, the NBA faced a similar issue during its “bubble” season. Despite being the NBA Finals, viewership paled in comparison to the NFL’s opening weekend. The NFL game pulled in 22 million viewers, dwarfing the NBA Finals’ mere 6 million. This historical precedent serves as a reminder that battling for TV ratings with the NFL is a losing proposition for any sport, including the WNBA.
Rather than holding playoff games on the weekend, WNBA fans and experts argue that the league should focus on scheduling during the week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or even early Fridays, before college football kicks off, could provide a better window for the WNBA to shine. By avoiding competition with football, the league could retain more viewers and build excitement around the postseason.
The WNBA’s return to Portland marks an important step forward for the league, which last had a team there in the early 2000s. While Portland’s original WNBA franchise folded after just two seasons, the landscape has changed significantly since then. Women’s sports, particularly basketball, are more popular than ever, and Portland is poised to embrace the team once again.
Ownership and Leadership The new team, set to debut in 2026, will be owned by RJ Sports, with Lisa Bal Mirage and her brother Alex Bathal at the helm. Both have a strong track record in women’s sports, as majority owners of the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Their leadership and experience are expected to make the WNBA’s Portland franchise a competitive and financially stable entity.
Portland is known for its passionate sports fans, but its market has often struggled to gain national attention. The city’s NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers, hasn’t had significant media coverage, especially since the departure of star player Damian Lillard. If the Trail Blazers struggle for attention, the question arises: will a WNBA team fare any better?
However, there are reasons for optimism. Portland has consistently shown strong support for women’s sports, especially with the Portland Thorns. The city’s sports culture, paired with a growing interest in women’s basketball, may provide the necessary foundation for the WNBA team to thrive.
One name that keeps surfacing in conversations about the new Portland WNBA franchise is Juju Watkins. A rising star at USC, Watkins is considered one of the most talented players in women’s collegiate basketball today. Many believe that by 2026, when the Portland team starts playing, Watkins could be ready to become the face of the franchise.
Watkins has been compared to WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark for her ball-handling skills and court vision. If she continues on her current trajectory, she could very well be Portland’s first-round pick, bringing immediate attention and legitimacy to the new team.
Watkins would not only elevate the on-court product but also draw media attention. Her potential star power could mirror Damian Lillard’s role with the Trail Blazers, making her a key figure in Portland’s sports scene.
One of the challenges any expansion team faces is building a competitive roster. With a player like Watkins potentially headlining the squad, Portland could have a great start. But beyond that, how the WNBA handles the draft and player distribution will be crucial to the team’s success.
Expansion teams often struggle to attract top-tier talent in the early years. The WNBA will need to ensure that Portland has access to quality players to avoid languishing in the league’s lower tiers. Draft strategies, free agency, and potential trades will all be part of the equation as Portland builds its inaugural roster.
As the WNBA continues to grow, timing and strategic decisions will play critical roles in its success. Expanding to Portland signals confidence in the league’s long-term viability. However, timing remains a crucial factor not just for expansion but also for playoff scheduling.
Avoiding direct competition with major sports leagues like the NFL could give the WNBA the breathing room it needs to thrive. By expanding thoughtfully and scheduling wisely, the league can continue its upward trajectory, ultimately reaching profitability and sustainability.
As the WNBA continues to evolve, there has never been a better time to support women’s sports. Make sure to stay up to date with the latest developments in the WNBA by subscribing to the GSMC Basketball Podcast. You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to leave us a review—it helps us reach more fans like you!
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The WNBA is navigating an exciting yet challenging landscape. Between scheduling playoff games to maximize viewership and expanding into a city like Portland, the league’s decisions will have lasting impacts. The future looks bright, especially with emerging stars like Juju Watkins poised to take the league by storm.
