NBA commissioner Adam Silver says the current state of Moda Center is a key issue as the Trail Blazers seek new ownership.
Silver was asked about the upcoming sale of the Trail Blazers and whether he wants to see them remain in Portland during his annual NBA Board of Governors press conference in Las Vegas, site of the 2025 Summer League.
The estate of Paul G. Allen announced on May 13 that the Blazers were for sale. The process is expected to last into next season.
There is concern a new owner could potentially relocate the Blazers to another city. It’s something that was addressed by Sen. Ron Wyden and the state legislature, which took steps to inform Silver and the NBA that they want the team to remain in Rip City.
Silver’s response: “It’s the league’s preference that that team remain in Portland. We’ve had great success in Portland over the years. I don’t have a specific update on the process but I know it is underway and I know there are groups that are actively engaged with the estate and have demonstrated interest in that team. I’d say one of the factors there is that the city of Portland likely needs a new arena. So, that will be part of the challenge for any new ownership group coming in. But it certainly will be our preference that that team remain in Portland.”
Mention of a new arena is new, as talk about the aging Moda Center has focused on remodeling to keep pace with modern NBA arenas.
Last February, the Blazers announced plans to complete videoboard upgrades over the summer. That was considered to be phase one of several remodeling efforts planned by the franchise in the coming years.
Now, other upgrades would fall on new ownership.
The Moda Center, which opened before the 1995-96 season, is tied for the seventh-oldest NBA arena. The seven other arenas on that list have all undergone extensive renovations in recent years.
The arenas: Madison Square Garden (New York Knicks, 1967-68), Target Center (Minnesota Timberwolves, 1990-91), Delta Center (Utah Jazz, 1991-92), PHX Arena (Phoenix Suns, 1992-93), United Center (Chicago Bulls, 1994-95) and Rocket Arena (Cleveland Cavaliers, 1994-95) and TD Garden (Boston Celtics, 1995-96).
Wyden sent a letter to Silver in May urging the NBA to keep the Blazers in Portland.
Last month, the Oregon Senate unanimously approved HCR 40, a resolution recognizing the importance of the Portland Trail Blazers to the state.
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)
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