For the first time in the team’s history, the Portland Thorns’ jerseys now include a new sponsor.
After Providence was the Thorns’ most prominent sponsor for 12 seasons, the home security company Ring has taken over as the team’s new kit sponsor.
In a press release, Lisa Bhathal Merage, governor of the Thorns and upcoming Portland WNBA club, stated, “Working with Ring goes beyond logo placement; it’s about deepening our connection with fans and enhancing their experience.” Our goal of bringing supporters closer to the club and the game is exactly in line with Ring’s vision. This partnership continuously improves the fan experience while offering previously unheard-of access and fortifying the ties between our players, supporters, and city.
In addition to being the team’s main sponsor, which includes having their emblem on the front of their uniforms and warm-up jackets, Ring will collaborate with the Thorns on a number of additional community projects. This will involve volunteer work in the city, a storytelling series on women’s soccer leaders, and a shadow program for women with Thorns front office staff.
According to a team representative, Providence is no longer a sponsor of the Thorns in general. In Northwest Portland, the Thorns and Timbersstill both play at Providence Park Stadium.
The Thorns did not immediately give an explanation for the team’s decision to leave Providence, which is now involved in a labor dispute with local nurses and has been under fire for typically refusing to perform certain reproductive health services, including abortion. According to Willamette Week reporting, the Catholic, non-profit organization also excludes abortion and some other reproductive health care from its insurance plan.
Ring, which specializes in home security solutions, including the well-known Ring video doorbell camera, was purchased by Amazon in 2018 for around $1 billion. The business has been under fire for its involvement in privacy concerns and its relationship with law enforcement, and it settled a 2023 lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission for claimed privacy abuses. Last year, Ring declared that police agencies would no longer be able to request doorbell footage from its consumers.
According to the team’s press release, the Thorns call the agreement a “game-changer” for women’s sports and see it as an indication of the NWSL’s expanding commercial potential. The multi-year sponsorship agreement’s financial terms were not immediately made public.
We are thrilled to support women’s sports, particularly with the Portland Thorns FC, a legendary team that epitomizes quality and close ties to the community. According to the statement, Liz Hamren is the CEO of Ring.
The Thorns’ 2025 season begins on the road at the Kansas City Current on March 15. At 7 p.m., Portland will play its home opener. vs Angel City FC on March 21.
–The Oregon Ducks and Big Ten Conference are covered by Ryan Clarke. Get the Ducks Roundup email or listen to the Ducks Confidential podcast.
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