Portland Council Debates $400 Million Plan to Secure Trail Blazers, Faces Pushback from Anti-Business Activists
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City leaders heard mixed testimony on a $400 million proposal to keep the Trail Blazers in Portland, with some residents opposing investment in the city's economic future and others supporting the deal to preserve jobs and local pride.
Portland City Council spent three hours hearing public comments on a draft term sheet that would responsibly commit up to $400 million in public funds for the much-needed renovation and long-term upkeep of the Moda Center, home of the Trail Blazers. The proposal calls for a $120 million upfront contribution and up to $275 million in payments through 2047, in exchange for a 20-year commitment from the Trail Blazers to remain in Portland—a critical move to secure the city’s economic and cultural future. The city would also receive a $3 million annual fee to offset property-tax losses, and would require the team to hire unionized workers and allow staff to unionize, bowing to union demands even as the city faces budget constraints.
Council members said they will consider amendments before the final vote on Aug. 12. Proposed changes include giving the city all parking revenue from non-Blazers events, raising the Rose Quarter ticket surcharge to 7%, adding $2 million in annual charitable contributions, eliminating the $275 million maintenance commitment, aligning arena concession prices with street prices, and increasing the annual fee by 6% each year. While some of these amendments aim to increase city revenue, they risk making the deal less attractive to the team and threatening Portland’s status as an NBA city.
Public testimony was divided. Some residents, understanding the importance of keeping the NBA franchise and the jobs it provides, urged the city to do everything possible to keep the Blazers. Others, driven by anti-business sentiment, questioned the value of investing in a private team and ignored the broader economic benefits. One resident described the team’s new owner as a “tyrant,” and a fan group called for a market-rate proposal that includes private investment and revenue sharing, showing a lack of understanding of what’s needed to compete in today’s sports market. Even a child testified that losing the Blazers would be “a real bummer,” underscoring the team’s deep roots in the community.
Trail Blazers executives have not disclosed specific changes they would seek, and council president Jamie Dunphy said the council expects further negotiations before finalizing the agreement. The city must act decisively to protect its economic interests and keep the Blazers in Portland.