Tom Dundon to Buy Portland Trail Blazers from Paul Allen Estate
Tom Dundon is about to buy the Portland Trail Blazers from the estate of Paul Allen, a co-founder of Microsoft who passed away. This deal will change who owns the team and could affect its future.
Many sources have confirmed the deal, which comes after a long time of wondering what would happen to the team. Dundon already owns part of the NHL team, the Carolina Hurricanes, and is now moving into basketball.
Problem—The Uncertainty Surrounding the Trail Blazers’ Ownership
For years, the ownership of the Trail Blazers has been unclear. Paul Allen bought the team in 1988 but died in 2018. His sister, Jody Allen, has been in charge since then, but they always planned to sell the team.
Fans, players, and the local community have often asked when the sale would happen and who would take over. Although the team has many loyal fans and a nice arena, the uncertainty about leadership has affected how people feel about the team’s future.
Agitation—The Impact of Delayed Ownership Changes
- The wait for a permanent owner left things in a state of uncertainty.
- Without long-term plans, improving the arena and developing the team had limits.
- Trade choices and player signings were careful, as the leaders didn’t want to make decisions that a future owner might not agree with.
- Community programs were doing well but missed the strong guidance that comes from having a dedicated owner.
- This uncertainty worried fans and also affected sponsors, partners, and the team’s ability to attract top players.
Solution—Tom Dundon Steps In
Tom Dundon is set to buy the Trail Blazers, marking a new beginning for the team. Dundon has a history of being involved in his teams. After he bought the Carolina Hurricanes in 2018, he helped the NHL team improve, leading to more fans and playoff games.
Reports say the deal also includes the Moda Center, meaning Dundon will own both the team and where they play. This is good for keeping things stable, as it stops the arena from running separately from the team.
Who is Tom Dundon?
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Age: 53
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Business Background: Founder of Dundon Capital Partners, former CEO of Santander Consumer USA
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Sports Ownership Experience: Owner of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes since 2018
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Net Worth: Estimated at over $1 billion
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Other Ventures: Investments in golf (Topgolf) and previous involvement in football (Alliance of American Football)
Dundon is known for making quick decisions and wanting to invest in growth. In the NHL, he takes an active role but also gives strong management teams the power to handle everyday tasks.
The Deal’s Significance for Portland
- For Portland, this deal is not just about who owns the team—it’s an opportunity for new investments. Dundon’s way of running sports teams often includes:
- Getting fans more involved with new technology and better experiences at games
- Focusing on strong teams and aiming for playoffs
- Helping local programs and charity work
- The NBA will probably check and approve the deal in the next few months, with no big problems expected.
Possible Changes Under Tom Dundon’s Leadership
While Dundon hasn’t made public statements about specific plans for the Trail Blazers, his history suggests a few possible changes:
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Increased Digital Engagement—Leveraging technology to enhance fan experiences, from ticketing to streaming content.
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Arena Enhancements—Potential upgrades to the Moda Center’s amenities, similar to what he supported in NHL venues.
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Roster Investment—Willingness to spend on competitive player acquisitions, depending on the team’s salary cap strategy.
Local Reaction and Fan Expectations
Fans on social media have had mixed but mostly positive reactions. Many believe Dundon’s involvement means the team will start making clear plans to be more competitive. Others are waiting to see if his business style matches Portland’s love for basketball.
Former Blazers players and local sports experts have also shared their thoughts, mentioning that owning both the team and the arena helps create stability in the long run.
The Business Side of the Deal
The purchase price has not been officially disclosed, but NBA franchise values have surged in recent years. The last public valuation of the Trail Blazers by Forbes was around $3.05 billion in 2024. Dundon’s ability to close a deal of this scale demonstrates significant financial capacity and commitment to sports investments.
From a business perspective, this move also gives Dundon a diversified sports portfolio across two major U.S. leagues—the NBA and NHL.
What Happens Next?
The next steps include:
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NBA Board of Governors Approval—Required for all ownership changes.
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Transition Period—Coordinating operations between the Paul Allen Estate and Dundon’s management team.
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Public Introduction—Dundon is expected to address fans and media once the deal is finalized.
Final Takeaway
Tom Dundon’s buying the Portland Trail Blazers ends a long period of uncertainty for the team. His experience in sports and the deal, including the Moda Center, means a better future for basketball in Portland.
This sale is more than just a change in names—it starts a new chapter for one of the NBA’s most devoted basketball cities.