Some Trail Blazers supporters remain uneasy about the arrival of new majority owner Tom Dundon, particularly after reports of cost-cutting moves following his purchase of the franchise.
There have also been concerns among fans that Portland’s owner could eventually explore relocating the team out of Oregon.
However, Bill Oram of The Oregonian spoke with several executives and Hurricanes fans familiar with Dundon’s ownership in Carolina, and many of those conversations painted a far more reassuring picture about his long-term intentions.
Dundon has reportedly made a major financial commitment to the area surrounding the Lenovo Center, pledging roughly $800MM toward development connected to the arena district where the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes play.
Any speculation about relocation in Carolina largely disappeared after the organization agreed to a new 20-year lease extension in 2023.
“If he bought (the Hurricanes) with a plan to leave,” Hurricanes CEO Brian Fork said, “he could have tried to execute on that. But he did the opposite of that and sort of doubled down in this market.”
Northwest Notes: Paul, Dundon, Ainge, Nuggets Draft https://t.co/vAYlNOIuaY
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 25, 2026
