Story perspectives

Portland seeks $120M arena upgrade, protests demand school funds

6/26/2026

Summary

Dundon Pushes Renovation

Tom Dundon joined Portland leaders to push a $600 million Moda Center renovation.
The plan requests about $120 million in city funding and aims to attract events like the NBA All-Star Game, which could bring $500 million in a week.
Demonstrators accused officials of secret talks and demanded money first for schools and resiliency.
Sen. Kate Lieber warned that losing the Trail Blazers would hurt the economy.

Summary

Dundon Cuts Costs

Micah Nori’s contract has a below-market salary, incentives, and a one-year guarantee with options for two seasons.
NBA Coaches Association president J.B. Bickerstaff called the deal a “slap in the face to our value.”
Dundon, also owner of the Carolina Hurricanes, bought the Trail Blazers for $4 billion in March.
Fans noted cost-cutting like skipping playoff T-shirts, not flying two-way players, and the team ending late checkout fees for game-day staff.

Summary

Krolewicz Drives Transparency

Data analyst Edan Krolewicz launched Portland Civic Lab with dashboards on parks backlogs and permits.
More than 1,700 Portlanders signed a petition demanding a transparent term sheet and clear metrics.
Councilor Steve Novick asked the attorney to clarify if the 2024 bridge lease obliges owners to fund the $600 million renovation.
Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane posted a video with Jonathan Pulvers performing “New York State of Mind” to mock the mayor’s newsletter.

Summary

Dundon Refuses Funding

Owner Tim Dundon warned at a Metro Chamber event he will not provide private financing, noting an incremental ticket tax already funds part of the $600 million renovation.
He highlighted his Carolina Hurricanes ownership, a Stanley Cup champion, and commendation from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.
Councilors Candace Avalos and Angelita Morillo called the proposal ‘shaky’ and ‘fiscally irresponsible,’ widening the rift with Dundon.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 Seattle approved a public-funded renovation of KeyArena, costing $74.5 million and backed by Mayor Norm Rice, to keep the SuperSonics in the city. The deal, later cited as a cautionary example, shapes today’s Portland Trail Blazers arena financing talks, where Tom Dundon and civic leaders and the city council debate a $600 million project.

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Dundon Pushes Renovation

Tom Dundon joined Portland leaders to push a $600 million Moda Center renovation.
The plan requests about $120 million in city funding and aims to attract events like the NBA All-Star Game, which could bring $500 million in a week.
Demonstrators accused officials of secret talks and demanded money first for schools and resiliency.
Sen. Kate Lieber warned that losing the Trail Blazers would hurt the economy.

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