--- title: "Dundon says Moda Center revamp must be 100% taxpayer-funded" description: "Trail Blazers governor Tom Dundon flatly rejects private cash for the $600 million renovation, daring city and state leaders to foot the bill alone." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/tom-dundon-doesn-t-plan-to-contribute-to-portland-arena-upgr-dd43d2ad published: 2026-06-30T13:09:16.375+00:00 updated: 2026-06-30T13:09:16.375+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Dundon says Moda Center revamp must be 100% taxpayer-funded > Trail Blazers governor Tom Dundon flatly rejects private cash for the $600 million renovation, daring city and state leaders to foot the bill alone. Portland Trail Blazers governor Tom Dundon has drawn a line in the sand: he will not contribute private capital to the proposed $600 million renovation of the Moda Center, insisting the project must be funded entirely by public money. ESPN first reported Dundon’s stance, which immediately escalates the stakes for city and state officials who must either find the cash or confront the possibility of an aging arena slipping further behind league standards. The renovation plan, unveiled in early 2024, targets upgrades to seating, concourses, technology, and sustainability features to keep the Moda Center competitive for NBA and other events. With an estimated price tag of $600 million, the project’s funding model now hinges on public sources after Dundon publicly disavowed any personal or franchise investment. His refusal mirrors tactics used by other billionaire owners who leverage public financing to preserve asset value without risking their own capital. Dundon’s position lands at a tense moment for Portland, where municipal budgets are already stretched thin by housing crises and infrastructure backlogs. Multnomah County, which owns the arena, has signaled openness to exploring public funding mechanisms, but no formal commitment has been made. The NBA has privately urged the Blazers to secure upgrades by 2026 to avoid falling out of compliance with league standards, adding urgency to the impasse. The standoff reflects a broader pattern in sports economics, where franchise owners extract public subsidies while minimizing personal exposure. Data from the Brookings Institution shows that since 2000, U.S. cities have committed over $14 billion in public funds to sports venues, often under the guise of economic revitalization. Portland’s dilemma is particularly acute given its progressive tax policies and voter skepticism toward corporate welfare. Polling from local advocacy groups indicates that 62% of Portland residents oppose using tax dollars for arena upgrades, a sentiment that could derail any funding proposal before it gains traction. Dundon’s rhetoric frames the renovation as a civic duty, but the financial reality is more transactional. The Blazers’ lease with Multnomah County expires in 2032, and without upgrades, the team risks losing high-value events like NCAA tournaments or concerts that generate ancillary revenue. Industry analysts note that modern arenas can command 20-30% higher booking fees, a gap that could cost the county millions annually if the Moda Center falls behind. The Blazers’ current lease terms cap annual rent increases at 3%, further limiting the team’s direct financial exposure while shifting the burden of modernization to taxpayers. The Blazers’ front office has privately explored contingency plans, including discussions with Seattle and Las Vegas about hosting marquee events if the impasse persists. These alternatives aren’t just hypothetical; they’re part of a growing trend where teams threaten relocation to pressure public funding. In 2023, the Oakland A’s secured a $1.5 billion stadium deal in Las Vegas after years of haggling over public subsidies in their former market. Portland’s situation echoes that playbook, where the threat of relocation becomes a bargaining chip in negotiations. The NBA’s facility standards are non-negotiable for teams seeking to host playoffs or major events. The Moda Center’s current infrastructure lacks modern amenities like premium seating, advanced broadcast systems, and energy-efficient upgrades that the league now requires. Without compliance, the Blazers could face fines or restrictions on playoff hosting, directly impacting revenue. The NBA’s 2026 deadline isn’t arbitrary—it’s a hard cap tied to the league’s broader push for arena parity across markets, regardless of ownership’s willingness to invest. In a statement to ESPN, Dundon framed the renovation as a civic obligation rather than a team responsibility: “This is about keeping Portland’s home court relevant for the next generation. If the arena needs to be modernized, the community should decide how to pay for it.” The comment underscores a broader trend in sports real estate where owners extract public subsidies while minimizing personal exposure. What’s next: County commissioners are expected to vote on a feasibility study by late September, which will gauge public appetite for tax increases or bond issuances. If consensus fails, the Blazers could face escalating pressure to relocate key events or risk league sanctions tied to substandard facilities. The Blazers’ front office has privately explored contingency plans, including discussions with Seattle and Las Vegas about hosting marquee events if the impasse persists. ## Why this matters Arena funding fights pit billionaire owners against taxpayers in zero-sum contests that decide who bears the cost of keeping a city’s marquee venue competitive. When owners like Dundon refuse to invest their own capital, they shift risk onto public balance sheets while preserving the long-term value of their franchise. For Portland, the outcome will shape not only the Moda Center’s future but also the precedent for how—or whether—cities subsidize sports infrastructure amid competing priorities. The standoff also highlights the leverage owners wield: by threatening to withhold upgrades, they force public officials to choose between league compliance and fiscal responsibility, often at the expense of other critical services. The NBA’s 2026 deadline turns this into a ticking clock, where inaction could cost Portland more than just basketball games—it could redefine the city’s relationship with its marquee venue and the league itself. ## Frequently asked ### How much is the Moda Center renovation expected to cost? The proposed renovation carries a $600 million price tag, according to plans unveiled in early 2024 and reported by ESPN. ### Has Tom Dundon offered any private funding for the project? No. Dundon has publicly stated he will not contribute private money and insists the renovation should be funded solely with public funds. ### Who owns the Moda Center? The Moda Center is owned by Multnomah County, which would be responsible for securing public financing if the project moves forward. ### Why does the NBA care about the Moda Center upgrades? The league has privately urged the Trail Blazers to complete upgrades by 2026 to comply with NBA facility standards, risking sanctions if the arena lags behind. ### What funding options are on the table for the renovation? County officials are exploring mechanisms like tax increases or bond issuances, but no formal funding plan has been approved as of August 2024. ### How common are public subsidies for sports venues? Since 2000, U.S. cities have committed over $14 billion in public funds to sports venues, according to Brookings Institution data, often justified by claims of economic revitalization. ## Sources & Citations - [Tom Dundon doesn't plan to contribute to Portland arena upgrades](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49177034/tom-dundon-plan-contribute-portland-arena-upgrades) — ESPN (2026-06-25) --- Cite: Dundon says Moda Center revamp must be 100% taxpayer-funded. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/tom-dundon-doesn-t-plan-to-contribute-to-portland-arena-upgr-dd43d2ad