A groundbreaking movement is gaining momentum in Portland, aiming to transform the iconic Trail Blazers into only the second major professional sports franchise in the United States owned by its community, mirroring the unique structure of the Green Bay Packers. This ambitious initiative represents a significant shift in thinking about NBA ownership, proposing a model where a collective of fans and local investors could directly influence the future of their beloved team, fostering an unprecedented level of fan equity and engagement.
At the forefront of this pioneering effort are Jon Toorock, a seasoned tech worker turned community consultant, and Scott Dylag, a veteran of Nike with deep roots as a lifelong Blazers enthusiast. Together, they have spearheaded “Buy The Blazers,” a grassroots campaign designed to galvanize local investment and establish a framework for community control. Their vision stems from a profound desire to ensure the team’s long-term stability and deep connection to the city’s identity, emphasizing a genuine Blazers community bond.
The Green Bay Packers stand as the singular beacon of community ownership within major U.S. professional sports. Established in 1923, their unique shareholding structure allows thousands of individual fans to own parts of the team, preventing relocation and solidifying its deep roots in a smaller market. This model has proven immensely successful, creating a powerful synergy between the team and its dedicated fanbase, a blueprint that advocates believe the Portland Trail Blazers could successfully adapt.
For years, speculation has surrounded the Blazers’ future, particularly since the passing of long-time owner Paul Allen in 2018. Portland, a smaller media market, has faced rumors of potential relocation after the 2029-30 season, intensifying local anxieties. The “Buy The Blazers” movement directly addresses these concerns, offering a compelling alternative that seeks to secure the team’s future within its current home through local NBA business acumen and collective passion.
The emotional connection between the Portland Trail Blazers and their fanbase runs deep, spanning over 50 years of shared history and unwavering loyalty. Toorock and Dylag articulate this sentiment perfectly, stating, “The Blazers have been around for 50 years, we’ve been there with them, and we want to be there next to them going forward, as well.” This desire for enduring presence and shared destiny underscores the popular demand for greater local involvement in the team’s fate, fostering a vibrant Portland basketball culture.
From a sports finance perspective, the community ownership model presents a fascinating case study. It diversifies the capital base, potentially creating a more resilient financial structure less reliant on a single wealthy individual. This approach could unlock new revenue streams derived from broad fan participation and investment, providing a fresh paradigm for how professional sports franchises are capitalized and managed, prioritizing collective benefit over traditional corporate structures.
While still in its nascent stages, the “Buy The Blazers” initiative signals a significant shift in the dialogue surrounding fan ownership and accountability in professional sports. If successful, it could not only safeguard the future of a beloved franchise in its city but also inspire similar movements across other leagues. This bold venture challenges conventional wisdom, suggesting that the most powerful asset a team can possess is not just financial wealth, but the collective passion and direct investment of its dedicated community.
