NEW YORK (KPTV) - NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said it would be a “failure” if the league did not keep the Portland Trail Blazers in Oregon as local officials and ownership negotiate arena upgrades.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday following the NBA Board of Governors meeting, Silver praised Portland’s fan base and affirmed the league’s desire to keep the franchise rooted in the Pacific Northwest.
“I want to be very direct about it. I would see it as a failure if we did not keep the team in Portland,” Silver said. “I’ve spent a lot of time in that community over the years. They’ve shown amazing support for the Trail Blazers. They’re some of our best fans around the league.”
Silver also noted that prospective buyer Tom Dundon met with other team owners during the meetings in New York to discuss strategies for public-private arena agreements.
“At our meetings, we did discuss the situation around Portland,” Silver said. “I think he was able to bounce ideas off other owners who’ve been through similar negotiations in other communities. I think there’s some lessons to be learned there.”
The commissioner’s remarks come as the Portland City Council continues to debate the future of the Moda Center.
State and county officials have already committed hundreds of millions of dollars toward the broader Rose Quarter project, though council members remain divided over how a potential $275 million city contribution will be spent. Supporters on the council argue upgrading the city-owned facility is critical to preventing the team from exploring relocation, while opponents question the use of public funds amid competing community needs.
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