PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - City and county leaders are set to talk this week about the [draft term sheet and possible public funding for Moda Center renovations](https://www.kptv.com/2026/07/21/city-councilor-speaks-out-rift-grows-between-trail-blazers-portland-over-draft-term-sheet/), as questions swirl about the Trail Blazers’ long-term future in Portland.
As that uncertain future looms, FOX 12 spoke to fans and a city councilor who told us they don’t want to see the blazers go, but the deal needs to be fair and work for the city.
“A lot of cities have basketball teams, a lot of us have been fans our whole lives, and it would just be sad to see them go,” said fan Hollis Baldwin.
“I think it’s just the entire identity of Portland, I don’t even think we’re a city without the Blazers, I’ve been a season ticket holder since 2008,” said lifelong Blazer fan Ben Isaacson.
As the team’s future remains uncertain, fans said they’re still holding onto hope.
“It would be a lot worse to move a team, then to not move a team,” said Isaacson.
The city has sent the Trail Blazers a draft term sheet for a 20-year lease. However, _The Athletic_ reported sources inside the organization called the first draft a “non-starter.”
“Portlanders are watching and they really need to see these conversations happen in public,” said Councilor Mitch Green. “It looks like Tom Dundon doesn’t care about Portland and that he only cares about making a quick buck, and isn’t even willing to be at the table.”
Green said he’s opposed to the city’s current draft, telling FOX 12 it was rushed.
“It’s unseemly to offer blank checks to a team that’s threatening to move and they’re not even allowed to threaten to move right now and so we really have an obligation to say show me your list that you want done and then we can talk about how much the public should pay for,” said Green.
[The draft term sheet](https://www.portland.gov/hello/news/2026/7/16/city-advances-first-draft-moda-center-term-sheet-establishing-framework-keep) includes a proposed public investment of $573 million to renovate the Moda Center. In return, it would require the Trail Blazers to remain in Portland for at least 20 years, and includes a $3 million annual payment from Rip City Management, among other provisions.
Some fans said the price tag is worth it.
“We spend the money on less economy boosters, this money pays for itself over time,” said Isaacson.
Green said the city needs clearer answers before committing major public dollars.
“In a time where our budgets are really tight, and we have competing priorities, we have potholes, we have visible homelessness,” said Green. “Portlanders want to know that we’re using our dollars really carefully, and that there is no such thing as a free lunch and so if we’re going to take tax dollars and put it towards the Moda Center on basically vibes, then what are not paying for elsewhere?”
On Wednesday, Portland City Council will hold an executive session to discuss the term sheet. On Thursday, Multnomah County Commissioners are scheduled to hold a Moda Center meeting.
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