The team hired retired Thorns FC goalkeeper and Canadian international Karina LeBlanc as Gavin Wilkinson's replacement on November 2, 2021.

[1][2] Following the exit of head coach Mark Parsons to manage the Netherlands women's national football team, Thorns FC hired another of the club's former players during Riley's tenure, Rhian Wilkinson, as his replacement.

[2] Thorns FC continued to play and train in Providence Park, their home since the team's inaugural season in 2013.

[3] On May 4, 2022, KPTV agreed to broadcast seven regular season Thorns FC matches locally via FOX 12 PLUS.

Portland entered 2022 as the defending NWSL Shield champions of the 2021 National Women's Soccer League season.