Moda Center renovation funding discussions continue
City and county leaders in Portland are scheduled to discuss a draft term sheet and potential public funding for renovations to the Moda Center this week. These discussions come as questions persist regarding the Trail Blazers‘ long-term presence in Portland.
On Wednesday, the Portland City Council is set to hold an executive session to review the term sheet. Following this, Multnomah County Commissioners are scheduled to convene a meeting concerning the Moda Center on Thursday.
Negotiations face challenges
The ongoing negotiations between the City of Portland and the Portland Trail Blazers franchise over the renovation of the Moda Center have been a central topic in July 2026. Reports indicate that representatives from both sides have engaged in public exchanges, with each party accusing the other of being uncooperative or out of touch.
One report cited an anonymous team source who criticized the city’s proposed offer. This offer included a 20-year lease, labor agreements, and property tax offsets. A significant detail from this report suggested that the team might consider abandoning the entire deal, which could include a promised $365 million from Oregon‘s state government.
The team’s new board of directors, which includes controlling owner Tom Dundon and at least four co-owners, was scheduled to meet recently. A potential outcome of this meeting could be the ownership group opting to reset negotiations, potentially foregoing the $365 million state commitment made earlier in the year.
The same team official noted that the Trail Blazers were last in the NBA for sponsorships last season and were the only team without a jersey patch sponsor. These issues highlight economic realities that the ownership group may have underestimated. The official also suggested that the deal would not improve over time, citing the city’s business climate and rising construction costs.
Provisions for unionized labor and partnerships with agencies in the Albina neighborhood, where the arena is located, were reportedly seen as particularly burdensome by the Blazers. The team source questioned why the city would propose terms they knew the team would not accept. The source also claimed that the city does not recognize the favorable nature of the deal it received and indicated that if the city does not want the team, that would be acceptable.
Another perspective from the city side of negotiations suggests that the Blazers have not yet responded to the city’s offer sheet, effectively stalling talks until a response is provided. A source involved with the negotiations at City Hall stated that Tom Dundon‘s group has not responded to the term sheet. When asked if the city would modify the term sheet without communication from Dundon, the response was that it would be akin to negotiating against themselves, which is not considered a good strategy.
Community and fan perspectives
The potential departure of the Trail Blazers has evoked strong reactions from fans and local leaders. Many fans expressed sadness at the prospect of the team leaving, with some describing the team as integral to Portland‘s identity. One fan, Hollis Baldwin, stated that it would be sad to see them go, noting that many cities have basketball teams and many have been fans their whole lives. Another lifelong fan, Ben Isaacson, commented that he does not believe Portland would be a city without the Blazers and has been a season ticket holder since 2008.
Despite the uncertainty, fans are holding onto hope. Isaacson believes it would be considerably worse to move a team than to keep it. The city’s draft term sheet proposes a public investment of $573 million for Moda Center renovations. In exchange, the Trail Blazers would be required to remain in Portland for at least 20 years and make a $3 million annual payment from Rip City Management, among other stipulations.
Some fans, like Isaacson, view the proposed investment as worthwhile, suggesting that the money would pay for itself over time and that the city spends funds on less effective economic boosters. However, Councilor Mitch Green has expressed opposition to the city’s current draft, describing it as rushed. Green stated that it is inappropriate to offer blank checks to a team threatening to move, especially when they are not permitted to make such threats at this time. He emphasized the city’s obligation to request a list of desired improvements before committing public funds.
Green highlighted the city’s tight budgets and competing priorities, such as potholes and visible homelessness. He stressed that Portlanders want assurance that public funds are being used carefully and that there is no such thing as a free lunch. He questioned what other essential services might be neglected if tax dollars are allocated to the Moda Center based on vague justifications.
The team official also reportedly told a media member that the costs associated with relocating the Blazers could be readily offset by an increased valuation of the franchise in a new location.
The City Council will hold an executive session to discuss the term sheet on Wednesday.
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Source: blazersedge.com
