PORTLAND, OR (May 16, 2025) - RAJ Sports is excited to announce Hoffman Construction Company as General Contractor for the development of their new dual-purpose Performance Center in Hillsboro, Oregon, which will be shared with the Portland Thorns and Portland’s newly established WNBA franchise. This multi-faceted partnership positions Hoffman Construction as a proud partner of the Portland Thorns, with opportunities to activate across a range of business, branding, and community initiatives designed to enhance visibility, drive engagement, and celebrate women’s professional sports in Oregon.
“Hoffman Construction has been a driving force in building iconic facilities across the Pacific Northwest,” said Mike Whitehead, Managing Director of RAJ Sports. “We’re thrilled to align with a partner that shares our commitment to excellence, sustainability, innovation, and community. Together, we’re building more than just a world-class facility — we’re building the future of women’s sports in Portland as we continue to cement Portland as the global epicenter of women’s sports.”
Beyond helping deliver the first of its kind, dual purpose women’s Performance Center scheduled for completion in 2026, the partnership will include a variety of strategic benefits for Hoffman Construction Company, such as:
-Digital Storytelling Collaboration designed to highlight shared values and project milestones through social media and content platforms
-Employee Engagement programs that provide unique access to Thorns community initiatives
-Premium Hospitality Access with field-level season tickets and additional suite and group ticket options
-Business Networking Opportunities including participation in the Thorns Business Alliance, the Women’s Coalition, and the club’s "Network and 9" golf events
“Partnering with RAJ Sports and the Portland Thorns represents a unique opportunity to align with organizations that reflect many of our core values — innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to community,” said Nima Darabi, Executive Vice President at Hoffman Construction Company. “We’re honored to contribute to a transformative new chapter in Portland’s sports legacy.”
This collaboration is a cornerstone of the club’s vision for the future: expanding infrastructure, empowering athletes, and investing in platforms that drive long-term impact across both business and sport.
Populous is leading the design of the dual-sport performance center that champions innovation and athletic excellence. The facility will feature a first of its kind elite training core, elevating the standard of athletic development by integrating cutting-edge training, advanced recovery, and holistic wellness with lifestyle elements specific to the needs of female athletes in a collaborative multi-team setting.
For more information about the Portland Thorns or tickets, please visit www.Thorns.com and follow on social media @thornsfc.
About Portland Thorns FC
Founded in 2012, Portland Thorns FC have set the standard for fan support and on-field success in women’s soccer since its inaugural 2013 season. One of the world’s most supported women’s soccer clubs, Portland has led the league in attendance for eight seasons and set a new club playoff attendance record with 25,218 fans supporting Thorns FC in the 2023 semifinal match at Providence Park. Thorns FC have won the NWSL Championship a league-record three times (2013, 2017, 2022) and finished as runners-up in 2018. The club has made the postseason a league-high nine times and has won the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021.
About RAJ Sports
RAJ Sports, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. In 2013, the Bhathal family became investors in the Sacramento Kings (NBA); subsequently building the platform to include the Sacramento RiverCats (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G-League) and several sports anchored real estate developments. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the WNBA Portland expansion team represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports.
About Hoffman Construction Company
Established in 1922, Hoffman Construction is the largest general contractor headquartered in the Pacific Northwest. An employee-owned company with more than 700 professionals, Hoffman delivers complex, high-impact projects across the U.S. and internationally. Their work spans sectors including advanced manufacturing, commercial, aviation, education, sports, healthcare, government, and transportation. In 2023, Hoffman was named the largest privately held company in Oregon and Southwest Washington. They provide comprehensive preconstruction and construction services—from estimating, planning, and value engineering to procurement, safety, and commissioning. Known for taking on the big, the complex, and the never-been-done-before, Hoffman is the contractor clients trust with their most important projects and toughest challenges.
PORTLAND, OR (May 16, 2025) - RAJ Sports is excited to announce Hoffman Construction Company as General Contractor for the development of their new dual-purpose Performance Center in Hillsboro, Oregon, which will be shared with the Portland Thorns and Portland’s newly established WNBA franchise. This multi-faceted partnership positions Hoffman Construction as a proud partner of the Portland Thorns, with opportunities to activate across a range of business, branding, and community initiatives designed to enhance visibility, drive engagement, and celebrate women’s professional sports in Oregon.
“Hoffman Construction has been a driving force in building iconic facilities across the Pacific Northwest,” said Mike Whitehead, Managing Director of RAJ Sports. “We’re thrilled to align with a partner that shares our commitment to excellence, sustainability, innovation, and community. Together, we’re building more than just a world-class facility — we’re building the future of women’s sports in Portland as we continue to cement Portland as the global epicenter of women’s sports.”
Beyond helping deliver the first of its kind, dual purpose women’s Performance Center scheduled for completion in 2026, the partnership will include a variety of strategic benefits for Hoffman Construction Company, such as:
-Digital Storytelling Collaboration designed to highlight shared values and project milestones through social media and content platforms
-Employee Engagement programs that provide unique access to Thorns community initiatives
-Premium Hospitality Access with field-level season tickets and additional suite and group ticket options
-Business Networking Opportunities including participation in the Thorns Business Alliance, the Women’s Coalition, and the club’s "Network and 9" golf events
“Partnering with RAJ Sports and the Portland Thorns represents a unique opportunity to align with organizations that reflect many of our core values — innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to community,” said Nima Darabi, Executive Vice President at Hoffman Construction Company. “We’re honored to contribute to a transformative new chapter in Portland’s sports legacy.”
This collaboration is a cornerstone of the club’s vision for the future: expanding infrastructure, empowering athletes, and investing in platforms that drive long-term impact across both business and sport.
Populous is leading the design of the dual-sport performance center that champions innovation and athletic excellence. The facility will feature a first of its kind elite training core, elevating the standard of athletic development by integrating cutting-edge training, advanced recovery, and holistic wellness with lifestyle elements specific to the needs of female athletes in a collaborative multi-team setting.
For more information about the Portland Thorns or tickets, please visit www.Thorns.com and follow on social media @thornsfc.
About Portland Thorns FC
Founded in 2012, Portland Thorns FC have set the standard for fan support and on-field success in women’s soccer since its inaugural 2013 season. One of the world’s most supported women’s soccer clubs, Portland has led the league in attendance for eight seasons and set a new club playoff attendance record with 25,218 fans supporting Thorns FC in the 2023 semifinal match at Providence Park. Thorns FC have won the NWSL Championship a league-record three times (2013, 2017, 2022) and finished as runners-up in 2018. The club has made the postseason a league-high nine times and has won the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021.
About RAJ Sports
RAJ Sports, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. In 2013, the Bhathal family became investors in the Sacramento Kings (NBA); subsequently building the platform to include the Sacramento RiverCats (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G-League) and several sports anchored real estate developments. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the WNBA Portland expansion team represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports.
About Hoffman Construction Company
Established in 1922, Hoffman Construction is the largest general contractor headquartered in the Pacific Northwest. An employee-owned company with more than 700 professionals, Hoffman delivers complex, high-impact projects across the U.S. and internationally. Their work spans sectors including advanced manufacturing, commercial, aviation, education, sports, healthcare, government, and transportation. In 2023, Hoffman was named the largest privately held company in Oregon and Southwest Washington. They provide comprehensive preconstruction and construction services—from estimating, planning, and value engineering to procurement, safety, and commissioning. Known for taking on the big, the complex, and the never-been-done-before, Hoffman is the contractor clients trust with their most important projects and toughest challenges.
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