Oregon’s top political figures, Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, have issued a resolute pledge to ensure the Portland Trail Blazers remain a fixture of the city’s vibrant sports landscape. Their commitment comes amidst escalating concerns regarding the future of the beloved NBA franchise and the pressing need for significant upgrades to the venerable Moda Center.
This declaration of unwavering support is bolstered by a powerful collective voice, as more than 50 influential community leaders and former prominent figures, including past Governor Kate Brown, former Blazers center Chris Dudley, and NBA legend Clyde Drexler, united to sign a crucial letter. This broad coalition urged swift action to renovate or rebuild the arena, underscoring the deep-seated desire across the state to preserve the team’s presence in Portland.
The “Rip City Forever” group, instrumental in organizing this collective appeal, directly addressed recent comments from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who indicated that a new arena might be necessary for the Trail Blazers to stay. While Silver acknowledged that keeping the team in Portland is a league priority, the community’s proactive stance aims to quell any “idle speculation” and inspire immediate action.
At the heart of the debate is the Moda Center, currently recognized as the oldest NBA arena without a major renovation. While plans are reportedly in motion between the team and the city for summer upgrades, the “Rip City Forever” group contends that these might not sufficiently address the evolving “economic reality of today’s NBA,” which necessitates modern, competitive facilities.
Echoing these concerns, Governor Kotek and Mayor Wilson dispatched their own letter to Commissioner Silver, explicitly stating the city and state’s readiness to forge a “public-private partnership” to finance the necessary improvements. They reiterated their understanding of the league’s desire for an upgraded facility, emphasizing their dedication to meeting this critical requirement.
The leadership highlighted the Moda Center’s central and accessible location within Portland, a strategic design choice they are committed to preserving. They expressed their strong conviction that renovating the arena will not only benefit the Portland Trail Blazers but also serve as a renewed source of civic pride for the entire city, reinforcing its iconic “Rip City” identity.
Further solidifying their commitment, the city recently acquired full ownership of the Moda Center, a move that initiated a public-private partnership aimed at comprehensive renovation of both the arena and its surrounding areas. Although the Blazers signed a lease extension through 2030 as part of this agreement, the inherent risk of a new owner potentially relocating the team remains a significant concern for advocates.
Beyond the arena itself, the Portland Trail Blazers organization has also partnered with the nonprofit Albina Vision Trust to envision and implement a broader revitalization plan for the area around the Moda Center. This collaborative effort seeks to transform the district into a thriving, vibrant community hub, further embedding the team within the city’s urban fabric.
In their impassioned appeal, Kotek and Wilson underscored the profound historical and cultural significance of the Trail Blazers to Oregon, stating, “The Portland Trail Blazers are more than a part of our history — they are a part of our future.” This sentiment encapsulates the widespread determination to ensure the team continues to represent the spirit and identity of “Rip City” for generations to come.
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