NWSL's Portland Thorns purchased by Bhathal family for record $63 million US: reports

The Portland Thorns have been acquired by the Bhathal family, investors in the NBA's Sacramento Kings, the National Women's Soccer League team announced Wednesday.

RAJ Sports purchased the team for $63 million US, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter.

The sum would be considered a record sale for an NWSL club.

CBC Sports has not independently confirmed the report.

Merritt Paulson, whose Peregrine Sports also owns Major League Soccer's Portland Timbers, put the Thorns up for sale in late 2022 amid a series of abuse and misconduct scandals that rocked the NWSL.

The Bhathal family was part of the group that bought the Sacramento Kings in 2013. RAJ Sports is led by siblings Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, co-founders and partners in the Southern California-based firm Revitate, which specializes in sports, real estate, and consumer brand investments.

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The new owners plan to keep the team in Portland, and they will continue to play at Providence Park, the downtown stadium which also hosts the Timbers. The team will continue to train at the stadium until a new women's practice facility is built.

Lisa Bhathal Merage will serve as controlling owner and will represent the team on the NWSL Board of Governors. Alex Bhathal will serve as an alternate on the board.

"As fans ourselves, and as seasoned sports and real estate operators, we believe in the future of Portland and the NWSL, and in the tremendous opportunity that surrounds this iconic team," Bhathal Merage said in the statement. "I would like to thank Merritt Paulson for believing in