Full Breakdown
Trail Blazers and Portland City Council Clash Over $600 Million Moda Center Renovation
7/31/2026, 9:04:40 PM
Core Event
Portland City Council met with Trail Blazers leadership to discuss a long-term lease and a $600 million renovation of the city-owned Moda Center. The team called the council’s draft term sheet a “non-starter,” citing more than 20 material departures from the framework approved by the Oregon Legislature earlier this year. A key dispute is the “first-class” condition clause in the existing bridge lease, which the Blazers say could be used as a legal threat. Both sides remain engaged, but the gap between the city’s proposed public-funding package and the team’s financial objections is wide.
Background & Context
- Bridge lease expires Oct 11, 2030.
- Oregon Legislature approved a framework for public investment in arena upgrades.
- State pledge: $365 million; city proposal: $120 million; Multnomah County: $88 million – total public funds $573 million, leaving the franchise to cover the balance of the $600 million cost.
- New owner Tom Dundon indicated willingness to sign a 20-year lease if the public-funding package is secured.
Data & Statistics
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total renovation cost | $600 million |
| State contribution | $365 million |
| City contribution (proposed) | $120 million |
| County contribution (proposed) | $88 million |
| Public-funding total | $573 million |
| Estimated jobs (public study) | 1,500 |
Official Statements & Responses
- Mayor Keith Wilson: “the mayor, the city administrator, the city attorney has never contemplated suing the Blazers.”
- Council President Jamie Dunphy: focused on negotiating a future lease and expressed optimism after the meeting.
- Zandria Conyers, team counsel, called the draft term sheet “a non-starter” and warned that disclosed details could be used in litigation.
Criticism & Opposition
Councilors pressed the franchise for specifics on renovation scope and financing. Deputy City Administrator Donnie Oliveira said the team’s objections are “largely financial,” and council members noted the Blazers have not identified the roughly 20 concerns they have with the draft term sheet.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Some outlets cite a $573 million public-funding figure, while others reference the total $600 million cost without breaking down the private share.
- The Blazers have not hired an architect or released design plans, stating final designs will wait until funding is secured, leaving the council without a clear picture of public-dollar allocation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We've been at the table this whole time. We've not left the table. We've been very engaged,” — Dewayne Hankins, Blazers president
- “The term sheet that we got presented with has been a non-starter for us.” — Zandria Conyers, team attorney
Timeline
- Aug 5–6 – Public testimony on the term sheet.
- Aug 12 – City Council scheduled to vote.
- Oct 11, 2030 – Bridge lease expires.
What's Next
The council’s vote on Aug 12 will decide whether the proposed $120 million city contribution is approved, a prerequisite for the state’s $365 million pledge and the county’s $88 million share. If adopted, negotiations will continue toward a final 20-year lease, with the franchise indicating it will not sign a deal that leaves it operating at a loss.
