The Portland City Council approved $120 million in funding to renovate the Moda Center on August 12. But the tensions are far from eased. As local government and new Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon remain at loggerheads over comments during these negotiations, one of the city’s most prominent sports figures is making his stance crystal clear: relocation is simply not an option.
Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson spoke out publicly regarding the ongoing arena dispute. His primary message directly addressed the Dallas-based billionaire owner’s stance on Portland’s economic viability, emphasizing the fundamental civic obligation that comes with sports franchise ownership.
“First of all, the Blazers can’t move. They are massively critical to the culture and economic vitality of the city,” Paulson stated, as per reporter Adam Susman on X…