Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has reiterated the city’s dedication to ensuring the Trail Blazers remain in Portland, coinciding with the announcement of the team’s sale by Paul Allen’s estate.
In early June, Wilson engaged in a pivotal half-hour conversation with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, as recorded in his quarterly calendar released this week. This meeting took place on June 4, further highlighting the urgency surrounding the franchise’s future shortly after it was put on the market.
According to Wilson’s schedule, this discussion with Silver was strategically placed between talks regarding a contract with the Salvation Army for a homeless shelter and an annual luncheon for the local chamber of commerce.
The Mayor’s office confirmed the positive nature of this meeting, with spokesperson Cody Bowman stating that Wilson has been actively collaborating with the Trail Blazers’ leadership during the ongoing sales process.
“Yes, the Mayor had a warm and productive meeting with NBA Commissioner to reaffirm Portland’s commitment to keeping the Trail Blazers in Portland back in June,” Bowman stated.
In a recent email, he emphasized that the city aims to work closely with various stakeholders to ensure the Trail Blazers remain a vital part of the city’s cultural and economic framework.
“The City is committed to working collaboratively across jurisdictions to ensure the Trail Blazers remain a cornerstone of Portland’s cultural and economic landscape,” he added.
The Trail Blazers, one of the 30 teams in the NBA, currently have a five-year lease on the Moda Center that is set to expire in 2030, with an option for a five-year extension. This situation raises concerns about potential relocation if the new owner decides to relocate the franchise.
In a press conference on July 15, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the sale of the Blazers, emphasizing the league’s desire for the team to stay in Portland. He noted, “It’s the league’s preference that that team remain in Portland,” citing the positive history and success the franchise has experienced in the city.
However, Silver acknowledged a significant challenge facing any new owner, indicating that the need for a new arena in Portland is essential. He did not specify if renovations to the existing Moda Center would be sufficient or if a completely new facility was necessary.
Historically, the Moda Center has remained one of the oldest arenas in the NBA without substantial renovations.
In response to the situation, a coalition of former Trail Blazers players, executives, and local business leaders has formed a group called Rip City Forever. This initiative aims to advocate for the team’s retention in Portland. During a recent appearance on OPB’s “Think Out Loud,” the group urged city and state officials to invest in renovating the Moda Center or consider alternate solutions.
They proposed that replacing the existing arena with a new one, possibly at the Lloyd Center or another central location, could benefit not just the Trail Blazers’ future but also stimulate downtown revitalization and bolster opportunities for the Albina neighborhood.
Wilson and Oregon Governor Tina Kotek have expressed their support for the Moda Center in a letter dated July 30, stating it as the ideal location for future developments. In the correspondence, they expressed readiness to explore public-private partnerships to make potential renovations a reality.
The Mayor’s office also revealed plans to invest approximately $4 million toward the installation of new videoboards at the arena, further cementing the city’s commitment to enhancing the Trail Blazers’ home venue.
As fans anxiously await developments in the sales process, the ongoing dialogues between city officials and the NBA signal a concerted effort to secure the Trail Blazers’ future in Portland, often referred to as Rip City.
image source from：opb
