The formation of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) was announced on November 21, 2012, with Portland selected as a host for one of the eight teams.[1][12][13] At that time it was announced by Portland Timbers' owner Merritt Paulson that the Timbers would own the team.[13] The team name was announced as the Portland Thorns FC on December 13, 2012, with a logo also unveiled.[14][15][16] Both the name and logo were intended to invoke Portland's nickname of the Rose City.[14][17]