All articles tagged with #blazers
Despite fan fears of relocation under new owner Tom Dundon, recent reporting suggests the Blazers are pursuing public funding for Moda Center renovations and have committed to a Project Labor Agreement, with internal emails showing cautious but ongoing efforts—indicating that staying in Portland is still on the table.
Internal emails obtained by KATU show Portland Trail Blazers leaders debated how to respond to the City of Portland’s questions about commitments for private investment in the Moda Center, signaling behind-the-scenes discussions on venue funding without detailing a final agreement.
An open letter to Dewayne Hankins criticizing his remarks during a Portland City Council work session on Moda Center renovations, urging the Blazers to provide data-backed, transparent details for a proposed up-to-$600 million public investment and questioning deferred maintenance claims, SB 1501 implications, and the lack of a precise scope of work.
Trail Blazers officials told Portland City Hall that a $575 million Moda Center renovation requires more than public money, urging a deal that also addresses legal risk, taxes, and Portland's business climate to keep the team in Oregon; they reject private funding and say the city’s terms are needed, while city leaders say the draft term sheet — with upfront construction funding, long-term maintenance, and a 20-year stay — is generous but contains issues like a potential property tax fee and a labor peace clause; negotiations continue ahead of an Aug. 12 vote.
At a Portland City Council work session, Blazers executives urged approval of about $120 million in funding for Moda Center renovations, saying the upgrades are essential for the team's continued presence in Portland; the session can be reviewed via video.
The Portland Trail Blazers plan to attend a City Council work session on Moda Center renovations, aiming to remove a lease clause that could let the city sue if they relocate and to accelerate funding discussions as the lease runs to 2030.
Portland officials released the draft term sheet outlining a $573 million public investment from the city, county, and state to support the Moda Center deal with the Trail Blazers, shedding light on the funding sources and terms behind the public‑investment plan for the project.
A state-commissioned report comparing NBA arena renovations finds that most deals involve substantial private investment or long-term revenue sharing, contrasting with the Blazers’ arena terms and raising questions about how city money and local funding are used in such projects.
Portland city council is poised to approve about $120 million for Moda Center renovations as part of a new 20-year lease, but funding sources and design plans remain unclear. The Blazers have withheld renderings until the city commits funding, and the likely sources—Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) and Prosper Portland—have not received project materials to assess fundability. The August term sheet deadline means councilors may vote before details are settled, with concerns over using climate-focused funds for an arena project and calls for private investment before proceeding. Final architectural plans depend on a funding agreement and continued negotiations with the Blazers.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson used a pointed newsletter to defend a $600 million Moda Center renovation while labeling a data-analyst critic as an opportunist, as critics push for more transparency and a stronger funding plan; the city weighs about $120 million in public costs against ownership contributions, with terms due by mid-August and a long-term lease by year’s end.
Portland is negotiating a long-term funding package for the Moda Center as the Blazers’ new owners seek major renovations. The package includes state bonds of about $365 million, roughly $88 million from Multnomah County plus other sources, and substantial city contributions over the next 20 years, with debates over how to cover remaining costs. A term sheet is due by Aug. 12 and a final lease vote by Dec. 17, with public hearings and possible voter input on a tax-backed referendum. If a deal is reached on time, construction could begin next summer and target completion in time for the 2030 NCAA Women’s Final Four; if not, the state bond plan could be reintroduced in January.
Under new owner Tom Dundon, the Portland Trail Blazers laid off roughly 40–70 business-side staff (about 20% of the department), a move confirmed by Dewayne Hankins and affecting long-time reporters like Casey Holdahl. The cuts come as the team seeks public funding for a Moda Center overhaul and amid scrutiny of Dundon’s cost-cutting approach; Oregon WARN notices had not yet been filed as of publication.
Victor Wembanyama returned with 27 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocks as the Spurs erased a 19-point deficit to beat the Trail Blazers 114-93, seize a 3-1 series lead, and ride a 62-23 run in the second half fueled by stifling defense and De’Aaron Fox’s 18 after halftime.
Victor Wembanyama suffered a concussion in Game 2 after a fall, triggering NBA concussion protocol and ruling him out of the rest of the game; he will undergo at least 48 hours of low-exposure recovery before a return-to-play evaluation, with a quick return possible but not guaranteed. San Antonio fell 106-103 to Portland as crunch-time defense and cold shooting in the absence of their superstar exposed the Spurs’ vulnerabilities, underscoring how pivotal Wembanyama is to their postseason hopes.
Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama erupted for 35 points and elite defense to lift San Antonio to a 111-98 Game 1 win and a 1-0 series lead over Portland. Game 2 in San Antonio will hinge on Blazers adjustments, how to throttle Wembanyama during his minutes, and which bigs can crash the glass. With Damian Lillard out for Portland and Jordan McLaughlin out for San Antonio, both teams look to tighten rotations and seek more efficient offense before the series heads to Portland.