PORTLAND – The Portland Trail Blazers are closing in on new ownership. If Tom Dundon and his group finalize the purchase, the NBA will set a Board of Governors vote. Should approval come before March 31, the takeover happens with six games left in the 2025-26 season. That timing would mark a symbolic passing of the torch. The timeline also frames the expectations. A source told Jason Quick of The Athletic that the Trail Blazers new ownership group’s plans include “a new swagger” for the franchise. Those words ring familiar during big sales, but fans have reason to expect change.
New Trail Blazers Ownership’s Big Plans, Takeover Date And More
Dundon’s Winning Blueprint
The source added: “He’s a winner. He’s a straight shooter, and rolls up his sleeves and gets to work.” Dundon’s track record supports that claim. When he took over the Carolina Hurricanes, the franchise had missed nine straight playoffs. Since then, the Hurricanes reached the postseason in all seven years under his ownership, with three Eastern Conference Finals appearances.
For the Trail Blazers, Ownership’s plans revolve around building a roster that can consistently contend. Dundon will not cut corners. “He’s really invested in the players — he says you can’t compromise on players,” the source noted.
That stance suggests he will chase stars aggressively. Another snippet revealed his mindset: “If Tom was the owner last year, he would have been trying to get Luka (Dončić). He would be like, ‘Why should the Lakers have him?’”
Questions About the Arena
The Trail Blazers’ future home is less certain. The Moda Center, opened in 1995, is under lease until 2030. Still, Adam Silver has made it clear: a new arena is likely on the horizon.
Issues at the current building pile up. The visitor’s locker room is cramped. The suites show their age. Yet as the source emphasized, “nothing about the arena is a deal breaker on its own. It’s lots of little things that add up.”
What’s Next for Portland
The next months will finalize more than just a sale. They will chart a new path. Dundon’s approach combines bold ambition with proven results. If his history in Carolina is a guide, he won’t wait long to make moves.
The new ownership group’s plans may bring more than a new face at the top of the Trail Blazers organization. They may bring urgency, accountability, and a fresh belief that Portland can compete at the highest level.
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