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NBA Approves $4 Billion Sale of Trail Blazers to Dundon Group

4/2/2026

38 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The NBA Board of Governors approved sale to a group led by Tom Dundon, owner of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.
The deal, valued at about $4 billion, keeps the Trail Blazers in Portland.
The group is named Rip City Rising and includes investors Marc Zahr and Sheel Tyle.
The sale follows the estate of Paul Allen, who owned the Trail Blazers since 1988, and aims to support his philanthropic efforts.

History

Historical Context

Paul Allen purchased the Portland Trail Blazers in 1988 for $70 million, becoming the youngest owner in major U.S. sports. His ownership, marked by both success and challenges, ended with his death in 2018. In 2025, the team was sold for approximately $4.2 billion to Tom Dundon's group, ensuring its continued presence in Portland, a city with a rich basketball culture.

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Story summary

The NBA Board of Governors approved sale to a group led by Tom Dundon, owner of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.
The deal, valued at about $4 billion, keeps the Trail Blazers in Portland.
The group is named Rip City Rising and includes investors Marc Zahr and Sheel Tyle.
The sale follows the estate of Paul Allen, who owned the Trail Blazers since 1988, and aims to support his philanthropic efforts.

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