Tom Dundon is facing pushback in Portland, but he is not signaling any willingness to put private money into Moda Center upgrades. The Trail Blazers governor said public funding should cover the planned $600 million renovation as debate grows over who should pay.
At the Portland Metro Chamber’s annual meeting at the Moda Center, Dundon said, according to multiple outlets, that staying in Portland already comes with a significant financial burden. “It feels like we’re making a pretty big investment by staying here and paying these tax rates,” he said.
Who Is Paying for the Renovation?
The city of Portland owns the Moda Center, while the Trail Blazers hold a lease through 2030. The expansion Portland Fire are also playing their first WNBA season in the arena, which opened in 1995.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has previously pledged up to $120 million in city money for renovations, with state and county officials also committing public funds. Any city contribution would still need approval from the City Council.
That plan has become a point of friction. City Councilor Candace Avalos said, “I am going to have a hard time agreeing to give public money if I’m not seeing a private investment,” according to multiple outlets.
Growing Backlash Around the Blazers’ Ownership
The renovation fight is unfolding alongside criticism of the team under Dundon’s ownership. About 50 protestors gathered outside the Moda Center before Wednesday’s event, according to The Oregonian, with signs reading “No bailouts for billionaires.”
The Trail Blazers previously argued that the arena needs upgrades to attract major events such as the NBA All-Star Game and future NCAA tournament games. Dundon said he was not trying to change anyone’s view, adding, “I think everybody can characterize things however they want. I don’t see it the same way, but I’m not trying to get people to agree or disagree with me,” he said.
The Dundon-led purchase of the Trail Blazers for $4 billion was approved in March. When the deal was announced in September, Dundon said he would keep the team in Portland.
Since then, several cost-cutting decisions have drawn scrutiny. The team did not provide T-shirts for playoff games against the San Antonio Spurs, did not have two-way players travel during the playoffs, and opted not to pay late checkout fees for most staffers on game days.
More criticism followed after news of coach Micah Nori’s contract. According to league sources, the deal includes only one guaranteed year with team options for Years 2 and 3, a below-market base salary, and incentives tied to team success.
That structure drew a sharp response from National Basketball Coaches Association president J.B. Bickerstaff, who called it a “slap in the face to our value.”
www.espn.com reported that the arena debate, the ownership changes and the coaching contract backlash have all added pressure to a franchise already under public scrutiny.
