PORTLAND, Ore. – While the Portland Trail Blazers have focused on developing young talent in recent years, new owner Tom Dundon is shifting the team’s mindset towards achieving greater success.
“We’ve tried to get this message through the last couple of days that that was fun, and probably necessary, but it’s more fun to win,” Dundon said. “It’s more fun to do the things that lead to success and hopefully we’ll start creating more habits, that those processes lead to the kind of winning that I expect, and I think everybody expects.”
Dundon, along with fellow investors in the “Rip City Rising” ownership group, spoke after the NBA Board of Governors approved the reported $4.25 billion sale of the team by Paul Allen’s estate. The new owners officially took over the team on Tuesday.
The Blazers currently have a record of 39-38 in the Western Conference, sitting a half-game back of the eighth-place Los Angeles Clippers. With a play-in spot already clinched, moving into the eighth spot would provide an easier pathway to the playoffs with a one-game shot at advancing.
The new owners group includes Dundon, Sheel Tyle of Collective Global, Marc Zahr of Blue Owl Capital, the Cherng Family Trust of Panda Express, Stan Middleman of Freedom Mortgage and the co-owner of the Philadelphia Phillies, among others.
In addition to the Trail Blazers, the acquisition includes the Rip City Remix in the NBA G League and Rip City Management, which operates the Moda Center.
Dundon, who recently sold a portion of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, said he is not afraid to make big moves. He mentioned a potential deal that was on the table at the trade deadline that could have made a significant impact.
“If that opportunity exists, I’m probably more aggressive than most,” Dundon said. “If it doesn’t exist, then you’ve got to go about finding the pieces to continue to get better, then decide if you can get good enough to win a championship, or you have to take a step back.”
Portland has been building around young players like Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan. The team’s leading scorer is Deni Avdija, who is in his fifth season.
The sale of the Trail Blazers follows the Oregon Legislature approving funds for the renovation of the Moda Center earlier this year. The state will now have joint ownership of the arena with the city and secure $365 million for renovations ahead of the women’s NCAA Final Four in 2030.
Paul Allen’s estate, the former owner of the Blazers who passed away in 2018, purchased the team for $70 million in 1988. His estate began the process of selling the team last May, as per Allen’s will, with proceeds going towards philanthropic endeavors.
Allen also owned the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and a minority share of Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders. His estate has also initiated the sale of the Seahawks following the team’s recent Super Bowl win.
