Portland Timbers acquire midfielder Cole Bassett in $2.65 million deal

The 24-year-old Colorado native joins Portland after seven seasons with the Rapids.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:47pm

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The Portland Timbers have acquired 24-year-old midfielder Cole Bassett from the Colorado Rapids in a $2.65 million deal, with potential additional incentives. Bassett, a homegrown player who made his MLS debut against the Timbers in 2018, has recorded 31 goals and 23 assists in 157 matches for Colorado over the past seven seasons.

Why it matters

The addition of Bassett, a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, strengthens Portland's midfield as they look to compete for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Bassett's ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a valuable asset for the Timbers.

The details

The Timbers will pay up to an additional $950,000 in performance-based incentives, and Colorado may retain a percentage of any future trade or transfer fee if Bassett is sold above a certain amount. Bassett, who has represented the U.S. Men's National Team at youth and senior levels, is under contract with Portland through 2027.

  • Bassett signed his first professional contract with the Colorado Rapids in August 2018 at the age of 17.
  • Bassett made his MLS debut against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on September 8, 2018.
  • In the 2024 season, Bassett recorded a career-high nine goals and seven assists for the Rapids.
  • Bassett was loaned to Eredivisie side Feyenoord Rotterdam in January 2022 and Fortuna Sittard in August 2022 before returning to Colorado ahead of the 2023 MLS season.

The players

Cole Bassett

A 24-year-old midfielder who spent the last seven seasons with the Colorado Rapids, recording 31 goals and 23 assists in 157 MLS matches. Bassett is a homegrown player who has also represented the U.S. Men's National Team at youth and senior levels.

Ned Grabavoy

The General Manager of the Portland Timbers, who expressed excitement about adding Bassett to the team's midfield.

Phil Neville

The Head Coach of the Portland Timbers, who praised Bassett's energy, goal-scoring ability, and fit within the squad.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to welcome Cole Bassett to the Portland Timbers. He immediately makes our midfield more dynamic with his ability to join attacks and provide an end product.”

— Ned Grabavoy, General Manager, Portland Timbers

“Cole is a box-to-box midfielder with great energy and a nose for goal — a role that needed to be filled within the squad. Our conversations with Cole have been really positive; he shares our ambition and came here hungry to win.”

— Phil Neville, Head Coach, Portland Timbers

What’s next

Bassett is expected to join the Timbers for preseason training and make his debut for the club in their season opener on March 1st.

The takeaway

The acquisition of Cole Bassett, a talented young midfielder with MLS and international experience, is a strategic move by the Portland Timbers to bolster their midfield and make a push for the playoffs in the competitive Western Conference.