Full Breakdown
Multnomah County Commits Up to $101 Million Toward Moda Center Renovation
8/7/2026, 11:34:34 PM
Core Funding Offer and Negotiation Context
Multnomah County commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a term-sheet resolution that would allocate up to $101 million toward a roughly $600 million renovation of the Moda Center, home of the Portland Trail Blazers. The resolution, adopted at a special Thursday meeting, sets a starting point for negotiations among the county, the City of Portland, the Trail Blazers and the State of Oregon. County officials say the contribution will be drawn from tourism-related taxes—principally a rental-car tax and other levies—rather than the general fund.
Background & Context
The Trail Blazers’ current lease runs through October 2030 while owners and public officials negotiate a longer-term agreement. The March 31 sale of the team generated a $35 million windfall in business-income tax revenue for the county. Oregon has approved $365 million in bonds backed by “jock tax” revenue, but those bonds expire at year-end unless a new 20-year lease is secured.
Data & Statistics
- Renovation cost: ~ $600 million.
- County contribution: capped at “up to $101 million.”
- State bond: $365 million, contingent on a finalized lease.
- City share: Expected $120 million, with a council vote scheduled for August 12.
- Potential tax sources: A 2.5 % rental-car tax projected to generate $53 million, plus the $35 million business-tax windfall.
Official Statements & Responses
County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson framed the vote as a signal to the NBA that the region is serious about retaining the team. Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards said the terms protect essential county services by keeping general-fund dollars out of the deal. Commissioner Shannon Singleton highlighted a clawback clause that would return the contribution if the Blazers relocate.
The Oregon Department of Administrative Services announced the hiring of Eric Andalman, a partner at King & Spalding, as Special Assistant Attorney General to advise on the joint-authority structure and the state’s financial participation.
Criticism & Opposition
Commissioner Meghan Moyer cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing the county should not subsidize maintenance for a building it does not own. City council members expressed frustration over perceived lack of transparency and the burden on Portland taxpayers. Several commissioners flagged a potential conflict of interest in appointing Chris Oxley, a former senior vice president of government affairs for the Blazers and current board president of Sport Oregon, to negotiate on the county’s behalf.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact amount the county intends to commit: Katu cites an $88 million renovation portion plus $13.6 million for maintenance; SportsBusinessJournal reports a $100 million contribution; RoseGardenReport mentions $101 million; KPTV references $101.6 million. The resolution leaves the precise tax mechanisms “undecided.”
What’s Next
The City of Portland must approve its $120 million share by August 12, after which negotiations will continue toward a final agreement expected to be voted on in December.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I want this step today to be seen by the NBA and the board of governors as a sign of just how serious we are about keeping the Blazers here in Portland,” — Jessica Vega Pederson, county chair
- “I'm not going to be supportive of this package because it is too much, and I don't want the county participating in subsidizing the maintenance of a building we don't own,” — Meghan Moyer, commissioner
- “We are excited to have Eric on board as we negotiate the state’s participation in the Moda Center project,” — Betsy Imholt, Director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services
