The NCAA women’s basketball tournament is set to return to Portland, with expectations of delivering a substantial economic injection into the city. Portland last played host to a segment of the tournament in 2019, drawing basketball enthusiasts from across the state and the nation to witness the University of Oregon women’s team secure their inaugural ticket to the Final Four.
In the current year, Portland is once again slated to host a portion of the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 for the NCAAW tournament, albeit without any local teams in contention. Notwithstanding the absence of local teams, experts in the sports business anticipate a larger economic impact than that of 2019. This is attributed to the increasing popularity of women’s basketball, particularly in Portland, and a modification in the tournament’s structure.
The tournament in 2019 yielded just over $1 million in direct economic impact and saw approximately 1,600 hotel rooms reserved. However, this year, the economic impact is projected to surpass $3 million, with nearly 3,500 hotel rooms secured. The decision to consolidate the Sweet 16 at fewer sites means that twice as many teams will compete in Portland, resulting in a significant upsurge in economic impact for the city.
Local businesses are bracing for the influx of tourists, with the well-known national sports bar, the Sports Bra, anticipating heightened activity during March Madness. Proprietor Jenny Nguyen is preparing for an increase in patronage, both from travelers who have journeyed to Portland for the games and locals seeking a venue to view the tournament. The triumph of the Sports Bra underscores Portland’s mounting acclaim as a haven for enthusiasts of women’s sports.
Furthermore, the city is primed to host a viewing party at the Spirit of 77, with expectations of attracting WNBA luminaries. Additionally, Portland’s professional women’s soccer franchise, the Thorns, has been observing attendance rates surpassing the norm, signifying the city’s robust endorsement of women’s sports.
According to Lauren Anderson, the head of the Warsaw Sports Business Center at the University of Oregon, Portland is a city that allures visitors and steadfastly stands behind women’s sports in both the collegiate and professional spheres. With the NCAA designating the Moda Center to stage the 2030 women’s Final Four, the city is poised to profit even more from its support of events such as the NCAA women’s tournament.
Ultimately, as the allure of women’s basketball continues to draw a larger audience, Portland stands to gain by maintaining its backing and hosting of events like the NCAA women’s tournament. The city’s mounting recognition as a nucleus for enthusiasts of women’s sports makes it a prime draw for future events, and the impending 2030 women’s Final Four is anticipated to be a significant milestone, presenting a substantial economic boost to the region.