Worrying report: "These are not good days for Portland fans"
ESPN's Brian Windhorst explains the factors behind the potential relocation of the Trail Blazers: "Getting so many government bodies to provide funding without strings attached is complicated." The NBA may block a move due to expansion plans, while Multnomah County explores alternative funding for the arena renovation.
The Portland Trail Blazers are at the center of a difficult and fateful period for the Oregon city. In the coming weeks, a decision is expected regarding the funding needed for the $600 million renovation of the Moda Center, but owner Tom Dundon is unwilling to invest a cent in the costs. If the parties fail to reach an agreement, the possibility of the Trail Blazers relocating will become increasingly likely.
Last night, commentator Brian Windhorst addressed the situation: "It's realistic, but it's definitely not a done deal. There are a few things to consider: when the previous owners sold the team, they signed a very short-term lease. The Blazers owned the arena, but the land underneath belonged to the city of Portland. Leases are usually for 15, 20, or 30 years. They signed a 5-year lease, and there are almost no protections in that agreement to prevent the Blazers from leaving."
"Paul Allen's trust did not sell to someone committed to keeping the team local. There were potential local bidders, including Nike founder Phil Knight, but they didn't go in that direction."
"Dundon is not interested, in his own words, in providing money for this renovation. It's a complicated matter because you have state officials—governors, government bodies, etc. It's hard to keep track. Getting all these people to agree on something, let alone providing the Blazers with a pile of money without many strings attached, is complex."
"Earlier this year, Adam Silver said that moving an NBA team was not on the table. That was months ago, and while that doesn't mean the situation is the same now, the NBA is looking to expand into Las Vegas and Seattle. Those are the two markets you would want to move a team to, regardless of which team you are."
"It won't be allowed by the NBA owners because they want to expand there and collect $7–8 billion in expansion fees. If Tom Dundon were willing to pay $7–8 billion to move, perhaps that would be an option, but Seattle and Las Vegas are not currently on the table. There is a lot of ambiguity and pressure, but it's not a good development if you are a Blazers fan; that's the bottom line."
Windhorst added: "If the NBA moves forward with expansion, it removes a significant part of Dundon's potential bargaining leverage. It comes down to a power struggle. But Tom Dundon is not someone to be underestimated. He is very clear, he has no problem being direct, he has no problem being unpopular, and he has no affinity for the city of Portland. It's a recipe for a team move, even if it's not clearly defined at the moment."
Alternative funding found
Portland's fundraising efforts for the arena renovation are currently facing difficulties. The initial idea was to use taxes paid by business owners, but those funds are vital for the financing and current operations of Multnomah County, where Portland is located. They had agreed to transfer $120 million for the project, but a new idea has emerged.
During a discussion at the county commissioners' meeting, a proposal was raised to use a tax on existing vehicles for the renovation. While this would cut the total amount by nearly a quarter ($88 million compared to $120 million), it would allow the majority of the funds to continue supporting current operations. A final decision on the matter is expected on August 6, while a vote on the renovation in Portland is scheduled for August 12.
