Canadian Karina LeBlanc is stepping down as general manager of the Portland Thorns at the end of the NWSL season, the team announced Wednesday.
The former Canada national team goalkeeper will take on a new role with RAJ Sports, the sports investment platform for the Bhathal family, which owns the Thorns, and the expansion of the Women’s National Basketball Association team, which is scheduled to begin play in Portland in 2026. no see.
“Karina provided stability to the Thorns during a very tumultuous time, contributed to the 2022 NWSL Championship and was an integral part of the club’s work in the local community,” said Lisa Bhathal Merage, co-chairman of RAJ Sports. name. “We believe now is a great time to make a change and position the club and Carina for future success.
“Karina will remain at RAJ Sports to allow her to grow and make an impact in the community as we build Portland into a global epicenter for women’s sports. We will begin our search for a new general manager immediately.”
LeBlanc, who helped Portland win the NWSL title in 2013, has competed in five World Cups and two Olympic Games for Canada. She retired in 2015 after making 110 international appearances and joined the Thorns’ front office in 2021.
“Having played here and now living in Portland and raising my daughter, I’ve experienced firsthand how deeply rooted this community is in the success of women’s sports,” LeBlanc said. “I truly believe Portland can be the epicenter of women’s sports, and I’m excited to be part of the team that drives that vision forward.”
The Thorns have no shortage of Canadian content on their current roster, which includes current and former Canada captain Jessie Fleming and Christine Sinclair, who is retiring at the end of the season.
The team is led by Rob Gale, former Canadian youth and Valor FC coach. His coaching staff includes former Canadian and HFX Wanderers manager Stephen Hart.
The Bhathal family has also invested in the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, the NBA G-League’s Stockton Kings and minor league baseball’s Sacramento RiverCats.
