Thorns new ownership lays out priorities during introductory presser

The new ownership group of the NWSL's Portland Thorns, Lisa Bhathal Merage and her brother Alex Bhathal, were introduced yesterday and claimed that the "first order of business" will be “hiring a team president of business operations and looking into improving the team’s practice facilities,” according to Shane Hoffmann of the Portland OREGONIAN. They also called this upcoming season a “season-long listening tour.” Bhathal Merage said they “want to hear” opinions from the clubs’ stakeholders. Adding, “They were the reason that we invested in this club. When we saw the fans here. It was the tipping point.” Several players said that what is “already apparent” has been the “ownership’s commitment to showing face.” F Janine Beckie said that she found ownership’s promise to listen, “different than what we hear so many times with organizations.” F Sophia Smith added: “It feels real now. We can really start moving forward and making the changes that we need to make” (Portland OREGONIAN, 2/5). 



Sponsored content