Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has personally lobbied NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as lawmakers and local governments remain deadlocked over how to pay for major renovations to Portland’s aging basketball arena.
According to The Oregonian, Kotek spoke with Silver on January 30 in a call she requested, part of a broader push to keep the Portland Trail Blazers in Oregon as ownership changes loom and public funding remains uncertain. A spokesperson for the governor said the call lasted about 15 minutes and was intended to reinforce her support for a long-term deal to keep the team in Portland.
Arena funding standoff
The franchise is seeking roughly $600 million for renovations to the city-owned Moda Center, which opened in 1995 and has never undergone a major overhaul. The proposal relies on a mix of state bonds, city funds, and county revenue.
But negotiations have stalled as the team and Multnomah County clash over about $40 million in business tax revenue generated by the sale of the franchise. While Portland officials have agreed to reinvest their share into the project, county leaders have not fully committed, viewing the money as a potential boost for other priorities, according to The Oregonian.
If lawmakers do not act during Oregon’s short legislative session, the Blazers could be transferred to new owner Tom Dundon later this spring without a clear arena plan. With the team’s lease expiring in 2030, uncertainty has fueled the speculation about possible relocation.
Follow Seattle Red on-air at 770 AM, on the Seattle Red app, and streaming audio and video on SeattleRed.com.
