Senator Wyden Pushed to Keep Blazers in Portland
The team faces a December deadline for a new lease agreement at the Moda Center.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Basketball
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Trail Blazers fans and downtown businesses face uncertainty as Senator Ron Wyden pressures NBA owners to block a potential relocation of the team. The move comes as owner Tom Dundon approaches a December deadline to finalize a new lease agreement for the Moda Center.
Why it matters
The outcome of these lease negotiations carries significant financial weight, as a failure to reach an agreement could jeopardize $365 million in state-backed bonds tied to a nearly $600 million renovation package. Whether the team stays remains an open question pending the finalization of these terms.
A total of $365 million in state-backed bonds is at risk if a lease agreement is not reached, a figure drawn from the broader $600 million renovation plan for the Moda Center. It remains unclear if local governments will successfully form a Joint Authority to oversee operations.
The players
Ron Wyden
The senior United States Senator from Oregon who serves as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee.
Tom Dundon
The owner currently negotiating the lease terms for the Moda Center.
Adam Silver
The NBA Commissioner who has publicly characterized the potential loss of the Portland franchise as a failure.
Raymond Lee
The Portland City Administrator who traveled to Texas to discuss stadium negotiations with ownership.
The details
Senator Ron Wyden is leveraging his position as the Senate Finance Committee’s ranking Democrat to discourage 29 NBA owners from supporting any relocation efforts. City Administrator Raymond Lee traveled to Dallas to meet with Tom Dundon in an attempt to advance the lease process. Local officials have yet to establish the required Joint Authority for the Moda Center, leaving the long-term governance and financial structure of the arena in limbo as the December deadline approaches.
Timeline
September 2026: Senator Wyden begins leveraging his political influence to keep the team in the city.
December 2026: Deadline for Tom Dundon to reach a lease agreement for the Moda Center.
Beyond the Bridges
This effort relies on the Senate Finance Committee's authority over tax-free bond treatments to influence private corporate decisions. It marks a significant shift, as the office uses federal tax oversight as a primary tool to dictate the future of a professional sports franchise.
Residents should watch for updates regarding the Moda Center lease before the December deadline passes. This agreement is critical to securing the $600 million renovation package that would modernize the stadium experience for local fans.
The takeaway
The stability of the Trail Blazers in Portland now rests on the outcome of the December lease negotiations. Fans should keep a close watch on the formation of the Joint Authority, which will serve as the primary indicator that a deal is on track.
What happens next
The November 2026 midterm elections will determine whether Senator Wyden returns as the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, potentially strengthening his influence over federal tax treatments for NBA teams.
Further reading
For more on the city's sports landscape, visit Basketball.
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