Portland Mayor Backs $600 Million Moda Center Renovation as City Weighs $400 Million Over 20 Years
Updated
Updated · KATU · Jun 12
Portland Mayor Backs $600 Million Moda Center Renovation as City Weighs $400 Million Over 20 Years
3 articles · Updated · KATU · Jun 12
Summary
$600 million in proposed Moda Center upgrades won a public push Thursday from Mayor Keith Wilson, who urged residents and councilors to back the project before a future City Hall vote.
Wilson argued the city-owned arena is the NBA's oldest unrenovated venue and said a modernized building is needed to keep Portland competitive, support the returning WNBA market and attract top concerts and marquee events.
Oregon has already committed up to $365 million, while Portland's package could total about $400 million over 20 years, including more than $100 million for renovation costs; officials are still weighing funding sources.
Council skepticism remains focused on how the city would pay, including possible use of the Portland Clean Energy Fund, though Wilson said rejecting the plan would risk losing state and county money tied to the deal.
Wilson said Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon remains committed to Portland but needs a world-class arena, and he framed the renovation as a bid to land WNBA and NBA All-Star games that could bring major economic impact.
With Portland cutting services, is a $400M arena renovation the city's best use of public money?
Does using voter-approved climate funds on a sports arena betray the public's trust and environmental goals?
$600 Million at Stake: The Moda Center Renovation Debate and the Fate of the Portland Trail Blazers
Overview
In June 2026, debate over the Moda Center’s long-overdue renovations intensified as city leaders, county officials, and the Portland Trail Blazers proposed $537 million in public funding to overhaul the 30-year-old arena. The Moda Center, a major economic driver generating $600 million annually and hosting 1.5 million visitors, is seen by the Blazers as essential for their continued presence in Portland. However, the large public funding request immediately sparked skepticism and public debate, with critics questioning whether taxpayer money should support upgrades that primarily benefit a private sports team.