The possibility of Portland acquiring a WNBA expansion franchise has been put on hold due to potential renovations at the Moda Center, which currently serves as the home for the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team. In a letter, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that any decision for a franchise in Portland would be delayed until the details and timing of the arena improvements are finalized. While Portland had been seen as a strong contender for the next expansion team, no concrete plans had been made. Nevertheless, Engelbert expressed her backing for bringing a franchise to Portland in the future, as the city is deemed an ideal destination for a WNBA team. Portland has a track record of supporting women’s sports, instilling confidence that a WNBA franchise would thrive there.