PORTLAND, Ore. — This story comes from the Portland Business Journal, a KGW news partner. This and other stories can be found here.
The Portland Thorns announced a new round of high-profile investors, courtesy of its new ownership.
The group consists of a litany of former and current athletes with Portland ties, including:
- Carolina Panthers' quarterback and No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft Bryce Young
- Portland native and two-time U.S. decathlon gold medalist Ashton Eaton
- Portland native and former NFL quarterback Joey Harrington
- University of Oregon alumna and Olympic bronze Canadian heptathlon medalist Brianne Theisen-Eaton
- Oregon State alumnus and Dallas Cowboys' wide receiver Brandin Cooks
- San Jose Earthquakes striker Jeremy Ebobisse
"Supporting women's sports is extremely important to my family and I," said Young in a press release. "I am thankful to the Bhathal Family for the opportunity and look forward to being a passionate supporter of this club."
Lisa Bhathal Merage and her brother Alex Bhathal, under the name RAJ Sports, assumed controlling ownership over Portland's National Women's Soccer League team from Peregrine Sports in January. Merage and Bhathal are the children of Raj and Marta Bhathal, who own the NBA's Sacramento Kings.
"We are thrilled to welcome such an accomplished group of athletes into the Thorns investor group," said Bhathal Merage in a press release. "This is truly a group of champions, both in their respective sports, and as leaders in the Portland community. We are excited and honored to access their talents, insights and passion as we continue the work needed to build the best women’s soccer club in the world."
Former club owner Paulson said in December 2022 he would sell the team in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal that involved former Thorns coach Paul Riley. Paulson stepped down as CEO of the Thorns in October 2022 and was replaced by Heather Davis, who remains CEO of the Thorns MLS counterpart, the Timbers. Paulson and Peregrine Sports still own the Timbers.
In May, the Thorns announced five other investors, including Columbia Sportswear's CEO Tim Boyle, Phoenix Suns co-owner Sam Garvin, former NBA player and Landspire Group CEO Josh Childress, TPG's co-managing partner Nehal Raj and Kunal Merchant, who's COO of the the Bhathals’ Newport Beach-based investment firm.
RAJ Sports' previously said its primary focus as new team owner is to advance plans for a new "first-class, purpose-built, women's soccer-specific training facility."
