Portland Moda Center hosting 2028 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Regional

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Momentum continues to grow when it comes to Portland becoming an epicenter for women's sports as the NCAA has announced the Moda Center will host the Division 1 Women's Basketball Regional in 2028.

It marks the first time the University of Portland will serve as an NCAA Basketball Championship host at the Moda Center. In a statement, University of Portland Vice President for Athletics Scott Leykam said he was "thrilled" by the development.

“In conjunction with hosting the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four in 2030, the University of Portland continues to further its legacy as a champion of women’s sports and women’s basketball in the city. This is a great opportunity to continue that tradition," Leykam said. "We are thankful to have partners in Sport Oregon, the Portland Trail Blazers/Rose Quarter, Travel Portland, and the City of Portland who have helped bring this to fruition and will be crucial in making this event happen.”

This comes after the Moda Center hosted several Sweet 16 games last season.

Last month, officials announced that Portland will see a return of a WNBA expansion franchise, a win aided by the Rose City's grassroots enthusiasm for women's sports.