Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon made a surprise return to the Rose City this week, appearing courtside at a preseason game and meeting with elected leaders and business leaders, his first public appearance in Portland since June. The visit reignites hopes that the long-running Moda Center negotiations may finally be moving toward a resolution. For a franchise whose future in Portland has been an open question, the message is a hopeful one: Dundon is back in the room.
A Rare and Welcome Return
Dundon, who bought the Trail Blazers in March, had been largely absent from the high-stakes discussions about Moda Center renovations and a long-term lease. Criticism followed: how can the franchise secure its Portland future if the owner is never in town? This week changed that. He stayed for a preseason game at Moda Center, sat courtside, and spent time with local elected leaders and business figures, including meetings tied to the arena negotiations.
KGW has the full account of the visit: Tom Dundon appears courtside at a Portland Trail Blazers game, reigniting hopes for Moda Center negotiations.
What’s at Stake in the Moda Center Talks
The Moda Center is city-owned, and the arena needs major renovations. The city of Portland, Multnomah County, and the state have all approved plans to contribute, with the state carrying the largest share at $365 million in bonding, backed largely by taxes paid by Trail Blazers players. But that bonding only becomes available if the Trail Blazers agree to a long-term commitment to stay in Portland. There is a December deadline to secure the state bonding, which adds urgency to the talks. Whether the franchise stays in Oregon long-term hangs on the deal.
What the Meetings Mean
The courtside appearance and the meetings with leaders are widely read as a signal that the owner is engaged. In any negotiation, showing up matters. For fans, the encouraging part is that Dundon is talking directly with the people in Portland who need to be part of the deal, rather than staying out of sight. Nothing is done yet, but a return visit is a step forward after months of stalled conversations.
Why This Matters for Portland
This is bigger than basketball. The Trail Blazers are woven into the identity of Portland, and the Moda Center anchors the Rose Quarter. A long-term deal keeps the team in Portland and supports the local economy around it. Whether it is the arena renovation, the surrounding development, or simply the nightly home games, keeping the Blazers in Portland matters to the region’s sense of place and its economy. It is the kind of news I watch closely as a mortgage broker working with buyers across the Portland metro and Multnomah County, because what anchors a downtown supports the neighborhoods and homeowners around it.
Is Tom Dundon going to keep the Trail Blazers in Portland?
Nothing is final, but his return to Portland this week and his meetings with local leaders are widely seen as a positive sign. A long-term deal for Moda Center renovations, with the state’s $365 million in bonding, depends on the franchise committing to stay.
Why does the Moda Center need renovations?
The arena is city-owned and aging, and it needs significant upgrades. Funding from the city, Multnomah County, and the state is tied to a deal that keeps the Trail Blazers in Portland long-term.
When is the deadline for the Moda Center deal?
There is a December deadline to secure the state bonding that would fund the renovation, which is why the negotiations are urgent. A Portland City Council vote is set for October 21, the same day as the Blazers’ home opener.
What does the Blazers’ future mean for the Portland economy?
The Trail Blazers and the Moda Center anchor the Rose Quarter and support the local economy, so a long-term commitment helps keep the area vibrant. For homeowners and businesses, a thriving downtown supports property values and the local market.
The Bottom Line
Whether it is the future of the Moda Center or the future of your mortgage, it pays to understand what is really on the table. I am Jeff Naylor, and I live and work in the Portland metro area. If you have questions about buying, refinancing, or what your numbers actually look like, reach out through the contact page, or book a call and let’s look at the numbers together. Thanks, Jeff.