Portland taps outside negotiators to steer Moda Center deal with Trail Blazers

Portland has enlisted three outside firms to lead negotiations with the Trail Blazers over Moda Center renovations, signaling that city officials will not helm the talks. A contentious draft term sheet has raised concerns from the Blazers and city leaders, with a final deal targeted by year’s end and an estimated $600 million in public funding. The state, Multnomah County, and the city will all participate, with negotiators Carl Hirsh (Stafford Sports), Denis Braham (Greenberg Traurig), and Damien Hall (Dunn Carney) taking the lead.