Trail Blazers Hosted Annual Fan Fest at Moda Center
The event gave supporters a first look at the roster as officials negotiated a new 20-year arena lease.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Basketball
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Portland Trail Blazers fans gathered at the Moda Center on Sunday for an open shoot-around and team scrimmage to prepare for the upcoming season. The event featured roster mainstays like Dame Lillard alongside new player Ja Morant.
Why it matters
Beyond the court, local and state leaders are currently in negotiations regarding a proposed 20-year lease agreement for the arena. The outcome will shape the future of the venue as the city, county, and state weigh a planned investment of hundreds of millions of dollars.
The proposed 20-year lease agreement marks a long-term commitment for the Moda Center, supported by a planned public investment of hundreds of millions of dollars. The final financial breakdown and specific project milestones have not yet been disclosed.
The players
Portland Trail Blazers
The professional basketball team based in Portland.
Dame Lillard
A returning player for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Ja Morant
A new player recently added to the Portland Trail Blazers roster.
Ron Wyden
A United States Senator participating in discussions regarding the future of the franchise.
The details
The Portland Trail Blazers organized the Fan Fest to showcase the team before the season tips off, with attendees watching the players during an open court session. Simultaneously, officials from Portland, Multnomah County, and the State of Oregon are deep in talks to finalize a long-term deal that would anchor the team at the Moda Center. Senator Ron Wyden is also engaging with NBA leadership to ensure the franchise remains a fixture of the city.
Timeline
October 4, 2026: The Trail Blazers held their annual Fan Fest.
Beyond the Bridges
The proposed 20-year lease agreement follows the pattern of previous high-stakes infrastructure negotiations between the city and professional sports teams. This deal marks a significant effort to secure the long-term future of the Moda Center in Portland.
For residents who attend games, the potential renovations will impact future fan experiences at the Moda Center. Supporters can continue to track updates from City Hall and the Multnomah County government as the details of the lease negotiations are finalized.
The takeaway
The team's long-term presence in Portland now hinges on the progress of the multi-jurisdictional lease negotiations. Fans should watch for upcoming public hearings from the City of Portland regarding the arena's renovation timeline.
Further reading
You can find more updates on the team's upcoming season and arena status in our Basketball coverage.
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