RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related real estate, drawing on the Bhathal family’s combined 50+ years of experience and relationships in the professional sports industry.

In addition, RAJ Sports seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies.

In May of 2013, the Bhathal family acquired the Sacramento Kings NBA franchise as principal co-owners as part of the Vivek Ranadive-led ownership group. Raj Bhathal was named Vice Chairman and Alternate Governor. Alex Bhathal was appointed to the Executive Board and Real Estate Committee Member.

The family’s RAJ Sports holdings include the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, Sacramento RiverCats AAA baseball club, Stockton Kings NBA-G League club, and Kings Guard NBA 2K e-sports team.

Over the past decade, the Bhathals have played key roles in the growth and development of the Kings, including the development of the award-winning Golden 1 Center arena, the four-star Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, and the Sacramento Downtown Commons (DOCO) retail and entertainment district. 

The Bhathal family recently finalized the purchase of Portland Thorns FC of the National Women’s Soccer League from Peregrine Sports LLC. This acquisition represents the latest in a growing portfolio of sports team ownership positions held by the Bhathal family, who include Lisa Bhathal Merage, Alex Bhathal, and their parents Raj and Marta Bhathal.

Lisa Bhathal Merage serves as controlling owner and NWSL Governor, while Alex Bhathal serves as NWSL Alternate Governor. 

The vision supports new, widespread growth for the Thorns, the people of Portland, and for women’s sports as a whole.

RAJ Sport’s deep experience in professional sports and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, is positioned to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans.