4/22/2025: Raj Sports Women's Sports Performance Center Remarks

Thank you all for being here today to celebrate two of my favorite things: Oregon and women's sports.

When we welcomed the WNBA to Portland just months ago, I said this franchise would be "a trailblazer in every way that counts." Today, we're witnessing precisely what that means as RAJ Sports unveils plans for the world's first dual-sport training facility dedicated to female athletes.

This groundbreaking facility represents exactly the type of forward-thinking innovation that defines Oregon. It's not just about building courts and fields-it's about reimagining what's possible for women's professional sports.

What strikes me most about this project is its intentionality. From recovery lounges and hyperbaric therapy to spaces designed specifically for families, every element reflects a deep understanding of what female athletes need to excel. This isn't adapting a men's facility for women-this is building from the ground up with women athletes at the center of every decision.

I'm particularly excited to see the commitment to sustainability through the adaptive reuse of an existing office complex. This approach demonstrates that we can pursue ambitious goals while upholding our environmental standards. In Oregon, we can walk and chew gum at the same time.

The investment planned for this campus speaks volumes about RAJ Sports' commitment to Oregon. This isn't just about two teams-it's about establishing Oregon as the global epicenter of women's sports.

Portland has always shown an unequivocal love for women's sports. The Thorns have created an unmatched cultural hallmark over the last twelve years. The Rose City Rollers bring such an incredible energy and fanbase you have to witness them up-close just to understand. And, with venues like Portland's own Sports Bra - the first women's sports bar in the country -, we have a thriving community of die-hard fans. Oregon fans are some of the most passionate and devoted out there. This is great news and an exciting new chapter for our city and state. I can't wait for our brand new WNBA team to share in this pioneering approach to athletic excellence.

When we received word that Portland was chosen for a WNBA team, I said "Portland's comeback story starts here,"; and this is exactly what I meant. We're not just building back-we're breaking boundaries. We're creating spaces where women athletes can reach their highest potential, where innovation thrives, and where Oregon leads the way.

As your governor, I couldn't be more proud to see this investment in our state, in women's sports, and in a future where industry excellence doesn't discriminate based on gender. The path to championships for both the Thorns and our new WNBA team runs right through this performance center, and we're all going to be there cheering them on.

Thank you to the Bhathal family, to RAJ Sports, to our athletes, and to everyone who continues to believe in the power of Oregon to lead. The best is truly yet to come.