PORTLAND, Ore. – The expansion Portland WNBA franchise is proud to announce the appointment of Inky Son as its Team President, a pivotal milestone in the team’s ongoing growth and development. Son, a seasoned professional with expertise in both sports and business strategy, will be tasked with building all facets of the franchise’s business operations, establishing the foundation for a best-in-class front office, and leading the organization’s growth.

“Today marks a significant milestone for the Portland WNBA franchise”, said Mike Whitehead, Managing Director of RAJ Sports, parent company of the Portland WNBA franchise. “As the very first employee of the organization, Inky will lay the groundwork for our future growth, and we are confident her leadership will drive the franchise to new heights, creating a lasting impact both in Portland and across the WNBA.”

“This is an amazing opportunity to help bring back a WNBA franchise to Portland, a city that loves basketball and has already shown itself to be supportive of women’s sports.” said Son. “I am honored to be in a position like this to further the women’s game and I look forward to creating a winning environment for our future players, our staff and the fans of Portland.”

As the first employee of the yet to be named Portland WNBA franchise, Son will oversee all aspects of the business, including marketing, ticket and sponsorship sales, community relations, finance, legal, and human resources. She will be responsible for establishing the infrastructure and culture of the team and hiring across all verticals.

Son brings a wealth of experience to the role, most recently serving as Chief Administrative Officer for the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). During her time at the NBPA, Son led a comprehensive transformation of the union’s operations, driving efficiencies and creating a strategic roadmap that positioned the organization for long-term success.

Son’s path in sports began in 2015 when she transitioned from a successful career in the fashion industry to the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). Prior to her time in sports, Son held leadership roles at Calvin Klein, Pepe Jeans, and Twenty8Twelve in Europe, where she developed expertise in brand development, strategic growth, and market positioning.

Born in South Korea, Son was raised in Gloversville New York and holds a B.S. in Marketing from McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. Her unique blend of experience in both sports and business strategy positions her to successfully lead the Portland WNBA franchise as it establishes a strong presence in the WNBA.

“We are thrilled to welcome Inky to our team,” said Lisa Bhathal Merage, Owner and Governor of the expansion Portland WNBA franchise. “Inky’s proven track record of transforming organizations, her strategic mindset, and her passion for our mission make her the ideal person to build a solid foundation for our franchise and reaffirm Portland as the global epicenter of women’s sports.

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.

Press Contact – Matt Radmanovich

mradmanovich@thorns.com