Blazers’ Tom Dundon addresses arena future, tells fans he wants title in Portland

Blazers’ Tom Dundon tells fans his goal is to ‘bring a championship to Portland’

Tom Dundon has heard plenty of questions about his intentions for the Blazers. In an email to season ticket holders, the new owner put Portland in his championship plans and offered an update on the team’s arena.

“On the arena, our focus is the long term,” Dundon wrote in the email, screenshots of which were shared on X. “We’re working to make sure Moda Center remains one of the best buildings in the NBA. There’s work ahead, and we’ll keep pushing until we get there.”

For fans worried about losing their team, that’s something to work with. Dundon also addressed his relationship with the city.

“I’m still getting to know Portland and this fanbase. But one thing is already clear: you show up, you care and you expect more than mediocrity. I respect that,” he wrote.

“I saw the same commitment in Raleigh, where fans just watched their team hoist the Stanley Cup. I don’t believe in making promises I can’t back up. My track record speaks for itself, and my intention here is clear: bring a championship to Portland.”

That’s a welcome statement of intent. The arena agreement still needs to follow.

As we’ve previously covered, negotiations over Moda Center renovations have fueled concerns about the franchise’s future⁠. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has said losing the team would be a “failure,”⁠ while stressing the need for an agreement that keeps the franchise viable in Portland long term. 

The email offers no renovation financing details or announcement of a completed deal. It does give fans words they can hold Dundon to.

It also arrives during a messy stretch away from the court. Veteran broadcaster Kevin Calabro departed after unsuccessful contract talks⁠. His announced replacement, Braiden Bell, was hired and fired on the same day after offensive posts from his teenage years resurfaced. The Blazers have since stood by that decision despite Bell’s request for reinstatement⁠. 

Dundon’s email did not address the broadcast controversy. Much of it focused on basketball, including Ja Morant’s arrival, Damian Lillard’s return and the young players’ playoff experience.

“Micah Nori takes over a team with talent, depth and momentum,” Dundon wrote. “The expectation is straightforward: compete every night and take another step forward. No shortcuts.”

Portland fans would surely enjoy talking about those things again. An arena agreement would give them a better chance to do so.