Is Portland reimagining the future of women’s sports?

Is Portland reimagining the future of women’s sports?

Author: The Athletic August 27, 2026 Duration: 44:15

On this week’s Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits, Meg Linehan, and Tamerra Griffin are talking all things Portland, the importance of infrastructure, and the future of women’s sports.


Last week, the Bhathal family, owners of both the NWSL’s Portland Thorns and the WNBA’s Portland Fire, opened a new first-of-its-kind training center that will house both teams. Coinciding with that grand opening was a conference called Epicenter that brought together some of the biggest names in women’s sports.


So, what do all these big infrastructure moves mean, what makes the Rose City such a special place for women’s sports, and can this unique ownership model and special community reimagine women’s sports?

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HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin

GUESTS: Lindsay Schnell, Annie Peterson

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

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Reference on the show:

Building the future of women’s sports, literally

Inside the Thorns and Fire’s new home, Portland’s first joint women’s sports facility

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For anyone who lives and breathes the beautiful game as played by women, Full Time: A show about women's soccer is your essential audio companion. This isn't just a recap show; it's a deep, thoughtful, and often lively exploration of the entire ecosystem. Produced by the journalists at The Athletic, the podcast delivers expert analysis and storytelling you can trust, moving seamlessly from the latest U.S. women’s national team drama to the week's pivotal NWSL results and major stories from leagues across Europe and the globe. Three times a week, hosts Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin, and Jillian Sakovits break down the matches, but more importantly, they dig into the culture, context, and consequential conversations that define the sport's moment. You'll hear from fellow reporters, players, coaches, and insiders who provide unique perspectives you won't find anywhere else. Whether it's a transfer saga, a tactical revolution, or a discussion about the broader impact of the game, this is where the narrative gets unpacked. Tune in for a blend of immediate reaction, investigative reporting, and the kind of informed debate that mirrors the passion of the fans themselves. This podcast goes beyond the final whistle to deliver the full story.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Full Time: A show about women's soccer
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