PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Thorns announced on Wednesday that Karina LeBlanc is leaving her role as the general manager at the end of the season.
Instead, LeBlanc will be transitioning to a new role within the Thorn's ownership team, Raj Sports, that covers both the club and the coming Portland WNBA team.
The Portland Thorns said a search for a new general manager will begin immediately.
“Karina provided stability for the Thorns during a very tumultuous time, contributed to a NWSL Championship in 2022, and has been an integral part of this club’s work in the community," said Lisa Bhathal Merage, co-executive chair of RAJ Sports. "We believe now is a good time to make a change and set the club, and Karina, up for future success."
California-based RAJ Sports, owned by the Bhathal family, bought the Thorns for $63 million in January — in what's been described as the largest deal in National Women's Soccer League history. Then, in September, the Bhathal family was announced as the ownership group bringing the WNBA back to the Rose City after 22 years.
The family, via RAJ Sports, is also principal co-owner of the Sacramento Kings (NBA), the Sacramento RiverCats (MiLB, AAA) and Stockton Kings (NBA G-League).
LeBlanc was named the Portland Thorns general manager in 2021. As a former goalkeeper for the Thorns, LeBlanc helped the club win the NWSL Championship in its first season in 2013, alongside Christine Sinclair.
“I’m incredibly honored and empowered to represent RAJ Sports through the unique and passionate lens of Portland,” said LeBlanc. “Having played here and now living and raising my daughter in Portland, I have firsthand experience of how deeply rooted this community is in the success of women’s sports. I truly believe Portland can become the epicenter of women’s sports, and I’m excited to be part of the team driving that vision forward.”
