PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — As state and local governments weigh a proposed $600 million public renovation of the Moda Center, some Portland city councilors are raising a new question: Should Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon be required to contribute under the team’s existing lease?
The debate comes as a KATU investigation found the Blazers cannot formally begin the NBA relocation process until October 2030, when the team’s current bridge agreement expires. The provision likely eases concerns the franchise could immediately pursue a move for the 2030/31 season if negotiations over a new arena deal stall this year.
Councilors question “first-class” lease requirement
Several councilors say their support for the publicly funded renovation depends on Dundon and his team making a private investment.
They’ve honed in on language in the Blazers’ current five-year bridge agreement requiring the team to maintain the Moda Center as a “first-class” NBA arena…