Portland Thorns welcome new slate of investors as women’s sports continue to grow in popularity

May 24, 2024

Portland’s professional women’s soccer team will add five new members to its investor group, including a former NBA player and the head of a major sportswear company, the club announced.

In addition to Merchant, the new investors include Columbia Sportswear CEO and lifelong Portland-area resident, Tim Boyle. Joining them is Sam Garvin, a part-owner of Phoenix’s NBA team, as well as former NBA player, Josh Childress. The co-managing partner of a private equity firm, Nehal Raj, rounds out the group. OPB