The Portland Timbers are set to enhance their training facilities following a $25 million land acquisition. This initiative, aimed at expanding the Adidas Timbers Performance Center, includes the opportunity to add an indoor practice field, in addition to the two already under lease.
Indoor training locations have become increasingly vital as Major League Soccer (MLS) considers synchronizing its timetable with leading global soccer leagues. Currently, MLS operates on a spring-to-fall schedule that limits games in colder weather. In contrast, many other leagues run from late summer to late spring, often incorporating extended winter breaks to dodge severe cold.
While some MLS owners—especially those affiliated with teams in northern regions—have shown reluctance towards a scheduling revision, there appears to be growing support for such a change. The Timbers aim to be well-prepared for potential alterations.
“I think there are some bridges that need to be crossed before it happens,” Timbers owner Merritt Paulson mentioned during a phone conversation. “Certain factors need to align. However, I am convinced it’s a sensible direction.”
The Timbers’ expansion plans include the $25 million purchase of a 13-acre site next to their training grounds, acquired from the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District. By 2026, the expanded area will transform into the Portland Timbers Performance Center, accommodating a second grass pitch, expanded office facilities, and a viewing area for fans from the team’s headquarters.
Up to now, the Timbers have leased the land from Tualatin Hills that features their existing indoor training facility, which has been enlarged twice since 2015 to its current size of 27,000 square feet, boasting a grass field and synthetic turf.
The addition of another indoor practice surface would offer significant competitive advantages in winter months.
“It’s not without its challenges,” Paulson acknowledged, “but our current footprint is substantial enough to help address weather concerns, potentially translating to just two to three fewer home matches during summer and more games in November, December, or February.”
Since 2015, the Timbers have invested $40 million to expand their training center to approximately 90,000 square feet.
Paulson emphasized that training facilities play a crucial role in attracting players. He cited the success of clubs in Seattle, Miami, and Cincinnati in this aspect.
“One could debate if MLS is over-investing in infrastructure, but the league’s strength will ultimately stem from its high-quality facilities, which has turned into a sort of arms race,” he explained.
Regarding recruitment, Paulson believes that a restructured schedule could greatly enhance MLS clubs’ competitiveness in the global summer transfer window.
He also noted that a revised schedule would eliminate conflicts between MLS playoffs and FIFA’s late autumn international break.
“I understand that from a media perspective, it’s appealing to have the playoffs uninterrupted by a FIFA break,” he stated. “It poses more than just a challenge from the NFL; taking a week off for FIFA breaks significantly diminishes national audience engagement.”
Currently, Portland ranks 11th in the MLS franchise valuations according to Sportico, at $720 million, just $1 million shy of the average team valuation. The club sits in the middle tier for revenue, ranked 14th in 2024, a drop from the 8th position two years prior. Last year, it generated $70 million in revenue, an increase of $5 million from 2022.
The expansion of the Timbers’ training facilities coincides with another significant infrastructure announcement in Portland sports. Earlier this year, the NWSL’s Thorns and the newly arriving WNBA franchise unveiled plans for a $150 million training center, marking a first in joint facilities for teams from both women’s professional leagues.
Image Source: Major League Soccer @ YouTube
