Dundon Defends $573 Million Moda Center Plan as Protesters Press Blazers Owner to Pay More
Updated
Updated · Fox 12 Oregon · Jun 24
Dundon Defends $573 Million Moda Center Plan as Protesters Press Blazers Owner to Pay More
3 articles · Updated · Fox 12 Oregon · Jun 24
Summary
$573 million in proposed public funding dominated Tom Dundon’s first public remarks since buying the Trail Blazers, as he defended staying in Portland while making no direct capital contribution to Moda Center renovations.
The package would draw $365 million from an Oregon bond backed by player salaries, $88 million from Multnomah County and $120 million from Portland—less than a quarter of the total project cost.
Dundon said he bought the team with partners and argued the club is already investing by remaining in Portland, paying local taxes and accepting added ticket fees that would flow back into the arena.
Dozens of protesters inside and outside the event demanded a fair lease and criticized closed-door negotiations, while questioning whether city money—including possible Portland Clean Energy Fund dollars—should support the project.
Mayor Keith Wilson and Governor Tina Kotek backed modernization as necessary to keep the Blazers in Portland, though Wilson said any use of Clean Energy Fund money must be decided by that fund’s governing committee.