Portland Trail Blazers Cite Lawsuit Threat as Moda Center Talks Stall

Moda Center Negotiations Stall Over Potential Litigation Threat

The underlying issue stems from a first-class provision tied to the city-owned arena. Under the terms, if the Blazers were to leave Portland, the city could potentially sue the franchise for the funds required to upgrade the Moda Center to maintain its status.

Blazers spokesperson Charles Boyle addressed the ongoing friction in an interview, stating, We need the city to take the prospect of litigation off the table by affirming the work the team has done to maintain Moda Center in a first-class condition.

District 3 Councilor Steve Novick initially flagged the clause during a June work session, questioning why the city had not considered pursuing legal action to make the team pay for renovations. Novick later clarified that the provision would only apply if the franchise ultimately decides to abandon the city.

Lease Timeline and Public Funding Commitments

The current lease between the city and the Trail Blazers is set to expire in 2030, though it includes an option for the team to renew for an additional five years. City officials have maintained that any finalized renovation deal and accompanying 20-year lease agreement should include language to prevent future lawsuits, though Novick noted that the city would be hesitant to surrender its legal rights while the threat of departure remains.

Trail Blazers Official Rejects Portland’s Moda Center Proposal

The arena project relies heavily on a massive package of public funding, totaling roughly $600 million. Financial commitments include:

• State Legislature: Approved $365 million in bonds for the project.
• City of Portland: Mayor Keith Wilson has pledged up to $120 million, pending City Council approval.
• Multnomah County: Expected to contribute about $101 million.

These funding discussions are progressing alongside negotiations for a new 20-year lease to keep the franchise in Portland. The state’s $365 million contribution is directly contingent upon the city and county finalizing their funding packages alongside a long-term lease agreement.

NBA Leadership Weighs In on Slow Progress

The stalled negotiations have drawn attention from league leadership. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the lack of headway during a question-and-answer session following the NBA Board of Governors meeting in Las Vegas, as reported by Yahoo Sports.

Silver expressed disappointment with the current state of affairs, noting that he had spent time with team owner Tom Dundon and his partners in Las Vegas. I was hoping more progress would have been made by now on that agreement, Silver said. And it seems to have gone off track in various ways.

The Commissioner previously visited Portland in March alongside U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden just before Dundon and his ownership group officially took over the team. While initial meetings with local officials left leaders optimistic, talks have since encountered friction.

The Moda Center will return to the agenda during a City Council work session, where an updated term sheet is expected to face a vote.