Doorbell-camera maker Ring replaces Providence as the face of Portland’s women’s soccer team.
The Portland Thorns have a new jersey sponsor in doorbell-camera manufacturer Ring.
Late last month, the women’s soccer franchise announced the deal with the Amazon-owned home security company, which replaced longtime front-of-kit sponsor Providence.
As part of the deal, Ring products will be placed around the Thorns training facility and Providence Park to offer fans an “immersive perspective” and behind-the-scenes access. Ring will also support community initiatives like downtown revitalization and programs like the Thorns’ Women’s Coalition and LEAD(HER)s of Tomorrow.
The team is calling it the largest sponsorship in team history though it has not disclosed a dollar value, reports the Portland Business Journal.
“Working with Ring goes beyond logo placement — it’s about deepening our connection with fans and enhancing their experience,” says Thorns owner Lisa Bhathal Merage in a statement. “Ring’s vision aligns perfectly with our mission to bring fans closer to the team and the game.”
Starting last summer, the team’s previous jersey sponsor, Providence, was embroiled in a statewide labor dispute with its nurses. It recently finalized an agreement to end the largest healthcare strike in state history.
The Thorns were purchased last year by Lisa Bhatal Merage and her brother Alex Bhatal for $63 million. The pair later purchased the city’s new WNBA franchise for $125 million. That team will tip off its inaugural season next year. The siblings’ RAJ Sports has announced its intention to make Portland a women’s sports hub. To this end, RAJ recently announced it will build a $150 million joint practice facility for its Portland NWSL and WNBA teams.
After purchasing their parents’ Southern California-based swimwear company, Bhatal and Merage Bhatal built a nationwide investment firm focused on sports, real estate and consumer brands, the Oregonian reports. The family also owns the Sacramento Kings as well as minor league baseball and NBA development teams.
In May, the Thorns’ MLS counterpart, the Portland Timbers, signed with a new kit sponsor: Tillamook. The team had ditched prior jersey sponsor DaBella after only one game, following news of sexual harassment allegations involving DaBella’s CEO.
Longtime Timbers jersey sponsor Alaska Airlines ended its partnerships with the Timbers and the Thorns in 2023. But this week, the airline announced it has renewed its deal with the Thorns and will sponsor the Portland WNBA team. That means passengers wearing a Thorns jersey can once again receive priority boarding when departing Portland International Airport.
The new, black Thorns jerseys were designed by Nike with input from Thorns players.
“The dark shades of black symbolize the city’s strength and unity, while the glowing reds represent the embers burning at the heart of the Thorns and its supporters,” reads a team statement. “Just like a small spark can grow into an unstoppable fire, the Thorns are powered by the passion of players and fans alike.”
Since it was founded in 2012, the Thorns have won the NWSL championship three times and led in attendance eight seasons.
Earlier this week, Thorns and US national team star Sophia Wilson (formerly Smith) announced she’s pregnant and will miss the remainder of the 2025 season.
The Thorns 2025 season kicks off March 15 against the Kansas City Current.
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