Story perspectives

Blazers Owner Slashes 70 Jobs, Restructures Business

5/20/2026

Summary

Dundon Cuts Staff

Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon laid off about 70 business-side employees on May 19, 2026.
The layoffs represent roughly 20% of business staff and cut at least 40 positions.
President Dewayne Hankins said the cuts are meant to restructure the organization and ensure long-term success.
Dundon defended the moves, noting business costs are $100 million higher than his NHL Hurricanes and citing hotel check-outs and dropping two-way players as savings.

Summary

Lawmakers Fund Renovation

Oregon lawmakers approved a $365 million financing mechanism for a Moda Center renovation in March 2026.
The funding eased community worries about a possible Trail Blazers relocation after the sale to Tom Dundon’s group and is seen as a commitment to keep the team in Portland.
Team officials link the arena upgrades to broader efforts for long-term franchise success while new ownership reviews staffing amid recent layoffs.

Summary

Blazers Skip WARN

The Blazers omitted the WARN notice after laying off over 70 workers, a law requirement for cuts of 50 or more.
Owners are Sheel Tyle of Collective Global, Marc Zahr of Blue Owl Capital and Cherng Family Trust, the Panda Express arm.
Before the cuts, the franchise had about 215 staff and roughly 390 total employees, giving it one of the NBA’s largest payrolls.
Sources said layoffs could reach the senior vice-president level, affecting senior management.

History

Historical Context

In 2006 Howard Schultz sold the Seattle SuperSonics for $350 million to Clay Bennett’s Oklahoma-City group. After Bennett’s 2007 proposal for a $500 million public arena was rejected by the Seattle City Council, NBA owners voted 28-2 in April 2008 to approve the relocation, leading the franchise to become the Oklahoma City Thunder in July 2008.

1 of 4

Dundon Cuts Staff

Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon laid off about 70 business-side employees on May 19, 2026.
The layoffs represent roughly 20% of business staff and cut at least 40 positions.
President Dewayne Hankins said the cuts are meant to restructure the organization and ensure long-term success.
Dundon defended the moves, noting business costs are $100 million higher than his NHL Hurricanes and citing hotel check-outs and dropping two-way players as savings.

1 / 4