Trail Blazers Sale Moves Forward After RAJ Sports Drops Lawsuit
trail-blazers-sale-moves-forward-after-raj-sports-drops-lawsuit
RAJ Sports, the Bhatal family–owned company that controls the NWSL’s Portland Thorns and the incoming WNBA expansion team Portland Fire, has withdrawn its lawsuit against the Cherng family, a minority investor in Tom Dundon’s group that is purchasing the Portland Trail Blazers.
The complaint accused the Cherngs—owners of the Panda Express restaurant chain—of violating an exclusivity agreement and sought to block their investment in the NBA franchise. The case was dismissed without prejudice, leaving the door open for refiling but removing any immediate legal obstacle to the sale.
According to The Athletic, Dundon helped broker the out-of-court settlement between the Bhatal and Cherng families. Details of the agreement were not disclosed.
“We are pleased to have reached a resolution out of court which we believe recognizes our position while also preserving the future of basketball in Portland,” RAJ Sports said in a statement. “We look forward to working closely with the Blazers as the Fire join them at Moda Center next spring.”
With the lawsuit dropped, the NBA’s approval process for Dundon’s purchase of the Trail Blazers is expected to proceed as planned.
Source: Hoops Rumors
