Portland’s New Owner Tom Dundon Vows Aggressive Push Toward Contention
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The Portland Trail Blazers’ newly installed owner, Tom Dundon, said Thursday the franchise will prioritize immediate success after several seasons focused on player development.
“Winning is more fun,” Dundon told reporters at the Moda Center while standing alongside members of the “Rip City Rising” investment group. “If the right opportunity is there, I’m probably more aggressive than most.”
The comments came two days after the ownership consortium officially assumed control of the team. On Monday, the NBA Board of Governors approved the $4.25 billion purchase from the estate of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who bought the Blazers for $70 million in 1988.
Playoff Race Adds Urgency
Portland enters the final week of the regular season at 39-38, trailing the eighth-place LA Clippers by a half-game. The club has already locked up a play-in berth; finishing eighth would require one win to reach the playoffs instead of two.
Ownership Group Details
Dundon is joined by Portland-based investor Sheel Tyle, Blue Owl Capital co-president Marc Zahr, the Cherng Family Trust of Panda Express founders, Freedom Mortgage executive Stan Middleman—who also holds a stake in the Philadelphia Phillies—and additional partners.
The sale package includes the NBA G League’s Rip City Remix and arena operator Rip City Management.
Dundon’s Background and Approach
Earlier this month, Dundon sold 12.5% of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes for a reported $332.5 million. He became a minority owner of the Hurricanes in 2017, majority owner in 2018 and sole owner in 2021. He also leads Dallas-based Dundon Capital Partners.
Dundon revealed that general manager Joe Cronin explored a significant trade at February’s deadline. While that deal did not materialize, Dundon indicated similar bold moves will be considered if they improve championship odds. “Otherwise,” he said, “you have to decide if you’re good enough or need to step back.”
Young Core Remains
The Blazers have built around guards Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, forward Toumani Camara and rookie center Donovan Clingan. Fifth-year forward Deni Avdija is the team’s leading scorer.
Moda Center Renovation Funded
Earlier in March, Oregon lawmakers approved a plan giving the state joint ownership of the 30-year-old Moda Center with the City of Portland and authorizing up to $365 million for renovations ahead of the 2030 NCAA women’s Final Four.
Allen’s will directed proceeds from his sports franchises toward philanthropic causes. His estate began the process of selling the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks in February, shortly after the team won its second Super Bowl.
Source: ESPN.com
