Silver Calls Potential Blazers Move ‘Failure’

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said relocating the Portland Trail Blazers would be a failure and urged owner Tom Dundon, Portland officials and Oregon state leaders to reach a long-term agreement keeping the team in the city. Silver also said Moda Center is among the league’s least modern arenas and needs a state-of-the-art renovation that would serve the NBA, WNBA and other community events. Negotiations remain contentious over the proposed public funding package, lease terms, property-tax payments, union labor requirements and the arena’s broader financial viability. The state has committed $365 million, while Portland has pledged $120 million, but the deal still requires additional county participation and an agreement with Dundon. A looming city vote and the expiration of the state funding at the end of December have increased pressure, while the Blazers’ current lease runs through October 2030.