Trail Blazers Affirm Commitment to Stay in Portland

Cooler heads could be prevailing in the Portland arena saga, as the Trail Blazers have publicly signaled their intent to stay at the Moda Center. 

Speaking at the team’s preseason media day, Blazers president Dewayne Hankins said the team is aiming to finalize a lease extension and renovation deal to remain at the 31-year-old, publicly owned arena.

“We are committed to a deal that works for our ownership. We are committed to a deal that works for our public partners,” Hankins said. “We are doing everything we can to ensure the Trail Blazers are staying right here.”

Those comments mark a notable change in tone compared to much of the year, during which the newly arrived team owner Tom Dundon took a hard line on the ongoing arena negotiations. In June, Dundon said taxpayers should shoulder the entire cost of the renovations, stoking fears of an imminent franchise relocation, and the team later called a working term sheet a “non-starter.” Hankins then called the Portland business climate “stagnant,” creating further division with public officials. 

Since then, the state of Oregon, Multnomah County, and the city of Portland have approved a framework that would collectively provide $586 million for Moda Center upgrades. Still, there are hurdles to clear, including a city push for the Blazers to pay rent and income tax and hire union workers. 

The state portion of that money, representing more than half of the entire package, also has a December deadline, creating a time crunch to finalize an agreement.

“These conversations continue to happen behind closed doors, and it’s most productive for us when they stay that way,” Hankins said. “What I will say is this: We are committed to Portland.”

Earlier this month, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he would consider it a “failure” if the arena deal collapses and the franchise leaves Portland. 

Broader Reactions 

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson recently urged the two sides to pick up the pace of negotiations, something Hankins said he was open to doing.

“The mayor the other week said he wanted us to meet every day. We’ll make time to do that if we need to do that,” Hankins said. 

Blazers star Damian Lillard also struck a hopeful tone at the team’s media day.

“I don’t see a world where the Trail Blazers aren’t in Portland. I just don’t,” he said. “And I do pray that day never comes, even when I’m done. I know how important the Trail Blazers are to this city.”