Oregon Lawmakers Begin Debate on $600M Moda Center Renovation Plan, With Blazers’ Future in the Balance
The future of the Portland Trail Blazers in the Rose City just took a big step toward center court. A new bill-Senate Bill 1501-aimed at unlocking public funding for a massive $600 million renovation of the Moda Center is officially in play, with its first public hearing set for Wednesday morning in the Oregon Senate.
This isn’t just about fresh paint and updated seats. This is about anchoring the Blazers in Portland for decades to come, and lawmakers know it.
The bill, introduced by Senate President Rob Wagner, lays the groundwork for a potential public-private partnership that would give the state and the city of Portland shared ownership of the arena. The proposed funding model leans on taxes collected from players, performers, and businesses operating in the area around the arena.
On Monday, the team released new renderings and project details on a dedicated site, NewModaCenter.com, showcasing a vision to bring the 30-year-old building into a new era. The upgrades aim to modernize the fan experience while keeping the Moda Center competitive with newer arenas across the league.
But make no mistake-this isn’t just a facelift for nostalgia’s sake. There’s a lot riding on this proposal.
The Trail Blazers’ incoming ownership group, led by Tom Dundon, is watching closely. Dundon, who agreed to purchase the franchise for around $4.25 billion in 2025, has yet to publicly commit long-term to Portland.
According to reports, the possibility of relocation looms if public funding for the arena fails to materialize. The team’s current lease runs through 2030, but without a major investment in the building, that end date starts to feel a lot closer.
And don’t expect Dundon to fill the funding gap himself. Reporting suggests he has no plans to contribute additional private money to the renovation, which puts the pressure squarely on state and local leaders to find a path forward.
So far, the political support is lining up. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has thrown her weight behind the bill, as have Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, City Council President Jamie Dunphy, and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. In a joint statement, they made clear that keeping the Blazers in Portland is a priority-and that the economic stakes are too high to ignore.
The numbers back them up. Officials estimate the Moda Center generates roughly $670 million in annual economic impact for the surrounding area.
That’s not a rounding error. With more than 240 event days each year and around 4,500 jobs tied to the arena, the building is more than just the Blazers’ home-it’s a major economic engine for the city.
Wednesday’s hearing is just the beginning of what promises to be a high-stakes debate over how much public investment should go into keeping the Blazers in town-and what the city and state get in return. But one thing’s clear: the Moda Center isn’t just a building, and this isn’t just a renovation. This is about identity, community, and the long-term future of professional basketball in Portland.