Moda Center Funding Discussions Continue
City and county leaders in Portland are scheduled to discuss the 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.
The city has presented the Trail Blazers with a draft term sheet for a 20-year lease. However, reports indicate that sources within the organization have described this initial draft as a “non-starter.”
On Wednesday, the Portland City Council is set to hold an executive session to review the term sheet. Following this, on Thursday, Multnomah County Commissioners are scheduled to convene a meeting concerning the Moda Center.
Team and City Perspectives on Negotiations
Negotiations between the City of Portland and the Portland Trail Blazers regarding the renovation of the Moda Center have been a central topic in July 2026. Representatives from both sides have reportedly engaged in public exchanges, with each party accusing the other of being uncooperative or out of touch.
An anonymous team source, cited in a report, criticized the city’s proposed offer, which includes a 20-year lease, labor agreements, and property tax offsets. This source indicated that the team might consider discarding the entire deal, including a $365 million commitment from the state government of Oregon.
The team’s new board of directors, which includes controlling owner Tom Dundon and at least four co-owners, was scheduled to meet on a Monday afternoon. A potential outcome of this meeting could be the ownership group opting to restart negotiations, potentially foregoing the $365 million state commitment made earlier in the year.
The team official also noted that the Trail Blazers ranked last in the NBA for sponsorships last season and were the only team in the league without a jersey patch sponsor. These issues highlight economic challenges that the ownership group may have underestimated. The official added that, given the city’s business climate and rising construction costs, the deal is not expected to improve over time.
The provisions for unionized labor and partnerships with agencies in the Albina neighborhood, where the arena is located, were described as particularly burdensome for the Blazers. The team source questioned the city’s intent in sending a proposal they knew the team would not accept.
Another strong statement from the team official accused the city of complicating the process, asserting that the City of Portland does not recognize the favorable nature of the deal it received. The official concluded that if the city does not want the team, that is acceptable, and that the cost of relocating the Blazers could be offset by an increased valuation of the franchise in a new location.
Conversely, a source involved with the negotiations at City Hall indicated that Tom Dundon‘s group has not yet responded to the city’s term sheet. This source suggested that talks are stalled until the Blazers respond, stating that the city would be negotiating against itself if it altered the term sheet without input from the team.
Community and Fan Reactions
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the team’s future, fans and city councilors have expressed their views. Many fans hope the team will remain in Portland, emphasizing the deep connection between the team and the city’s identity.
One fan, Hollis Baldwin, remarked that it would be sad to see the team leave, noting that many cities have basketball teams and that many residents have been fans their entire lives. Another lifelong fan, Ben Isaacson, stated that he does not believe Portland would be a city without the Blazers, having been a season ticket holder since 2008.
Isaacson also suggested that moving the team would be a worse outcome than keeping it. He believes the proposed public investment is worthwhile, arguing that the money would pay for itself over time, especially compared to other less impactful economy boosters.
Councilor Mitch Green, however, expressed opposition to the city’s current draft, calling it rushed. He stated that it is inappropriate to offer blank checks to a team threatening to move, especially when they are not currently permitted to make such threats. Green emphasized the city’s obligation to request a list of desired improvements from the team before discussing public funding.
Green highlighted the city’s tight budget and competing priorities, such as addressing potholes and 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 draft term sheet proposes a public investment of $573 million for Moda Center renovations. In return, the agreement would require the Trail Blazers to stay in Portland for at least 20 years and includes a $3 million annual payment from Rip City Management, among other provisions.
The city and county leaders will continue their discussions regarding the Moda Center funding this week.
Read Also
Source: blazersedge.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.