Tilikum Crossing in Portland, Ore.
The WNBA’s Portland Fire and NWSL’s Portland Thorns have entered into a joint multi-year media partnership with a broadcast TV station serving Oregon’s largest market branded as “FOX 12 Plus” — a score for Gray Media.
The new pact puts each team’s games on KPDX-TV in Portland, Ore., making the over-the-air station the regional broadcast home for the two professional women’s sports teams in the market.
Additionally, the Portland Fire will add a direct-to-consumer opportunity through a new partnership with streaming platform provider Kiswe.
“The partnerships with Gray and Kiswe represent an important step in continuing to cement Portland as the global epicenter of women’s sports,” said Michael Whitehead, Managing Director of RAJ Sports, which owns the Fire and Thorns. “These partnerships are designed to put fans and accessibility first and will set a new standard for how women’s sports can be enjoyed.”
RAJ Sports is owned by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage.
“Our goal is to ensure all fans have the opportunity to view free over-the-air games and support our local professional athletes,” said Corey Hanson, Gray Local Media’s Portland, Ore. Regional VP/GM. “FOX 12 Plus is honored to provide the space to highlight women’s sports, giving them the visibility they’ve earned and inspiring the next generation of athletes.”
A handful of Portland Fire games will also air on Gray-owned KPTV-12.
Both KPDX and KPTV were acquired by Gray Media in its acquisition of Meredith Local Media.
Lee H. Berke, President/CEO of LHB Sports, advised RAJ Sports on the agreements with Gray Media.
The Portland Fire’s local TV broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date.