Hoffman Construction Company has been chosen by RAJ Sports to serve as the primary builder for an innovative multi-use Women’s sports performance center in Hillsboro. This groundbreaking Women’s sports performance center will house both the Portland Thorns soccer team and Portland’s new women’s basketball franchise set to debut in the WNBA.
With an anticipated investment exceeding $150 million, this development will mark a historic first as the inaugural professional sports training complex jointly utilized by two women’s professional athletic organizations in the United States.
The city’s WNBA expansion team is scheduled to begin play in 2026. Both franchises fall under the ownership of the Bhathal family, who additionally hold ownership interests in the Sacramento Kings of the NBA.
Hoffman’s role extends well beyond traditional construction services. The firm will participate in digital marketing initiatives, create employee engagement opportunities, provide exclusive hospitality experiences at Thorns matches, and foster business connections through organizational programs like the Thorns Business Alliance and “Network and 9” golf networking events.
“Collaborating with RAJ Sports and the Portland Thorns presents an exceptional chance to partner with organizations that embody many of our fundamental principles — innovation, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to community service,” stated Nima Darabi, executive vice president at Hoffman Construction.
This development represents a cornerstone of RAJ Sports’ strategic plan to establish Portland as a premier destination for women’s professional athletics. RAJ Sports, under the leadership of Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, purchased both the Thorns and Portland’s WNBA expansion rights in 2024.
A State-of-the-Art Training Hub
The campus will be located in Hillsboro, Oregon, transforming a 12-acre suburban office complex formerly utilized by Nike. Raj Sports has signed a 15-year lease to retrofit the site as follows:
A 63,000-sq. foot training complex,
17,000-sq. feet full-size, tandem basketball courts practice facility with
two all-weather turf soccer fields +Outdoor Training area
5,000-sq foot strength facility incorporating outdoor turf areas and space specifically for pilates and yoga areas
Design centered on athlete well-being
Designed by leading stadium architecture firm Populous, and built by Hoffman Construction the Raj Sports planned sports performance center places foremost emphasis on athlete performance, health, and well-being. Compliment these with:
- Area of recovery and rehabilitation with pools for active recovery, hyperbaric therapy and red-light therapy
- Fulltime chef and Nutritionist with Performance-based nutrition and refuel stations
- Parking for athletes given privately and separately along with securing building entrances where family spaces too are provided specifically
- Sports science, Strength, and conditioning program
A Future Vision
The first phase, which cost $75 million, marks an important milestone in furthering the cause of infrastructure for professional women’s sports.
During groundbreaking, Raj Sports EVP of Strategic Growth Development Karina LeBlanc echoed its impact: “Now you got this facility, it’s something the players refer to as home. You’re walking in and to your left, you gonna have the-like the Olympic Village of food- the biggest names of the WNBA eating with the biggest names of the NWSL.”
Designed to spur collaboration and growth in professional women’s sports, the facility features 6,100 square feet of office space for the business operations of Raj Sports. As the Portland Thorns and their WNBA counterpart build toward the future, this training complex sets a new standard for elite athlete development.
Read also: Transformation of the Cincinnati Bengals’ Paycor Stadium and the Surrounding Area
RAJ Sports’ New Women’s Sports Performance Center in Hillsboro: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon (former Nike office complex)
Total Investment: $150 million
Lease Term: 15 years
Unique Feature: First shared professional training facility for NWSL and WNBA teams
Facility Specifications
Total Area: 12 acres
Main Training Facility: 63,000 sq ft
Practice Gym: 17,000 sq ft (two full-size basketball courts)
Outdoor Spaces:
Two full-sized soccer pitches
Outdoor training zone
Strength Training Center: 5,000 sq ft with outdoor turf zone
Facility Key Features
Raj Sports dual practice facility will be complimented by:
Dedicated sports science and conditioning program
Recovery and rehabilitation areas
Active recovery pools
Hyperbaric therapy
Red-light therapy
Full-time chef and nutritionist
Secure athlete facilities
6,100 sq ft of business operations space
Project Timeline
First Phase: $75 million investment
WNBA Team Launch: 2026
RAJ Sports’ Planned Women’s Sports Performance Center in Hillsboro: Construction and Design Team
Architecture: Populous
Construction: Hoffman Construction
Strategic Vision
Pioneering infrastructure to support professional women’s sports, creating a collaborative training environment for top athletes
Read also: Construction Begins on New York City’s First-Ever Professional Soccer-Specific Stadium, Etihad Park
