New Ownership for Portland Trail Blazers: A Game-Changing Move in the NBA
Introduction
The NBA world was buzzing with news of Tom Dundon leading a group to acquire the Portland Trail Blazers from the estate of the late Paul Allen for a whopping $4.25 billion. The deal is expected to bolster the franchise's financial stability and secure its future in Portland.
Key Details
The sale marks a significant shift in ownership for the Trail Blazers, who have been under the Allen family's control since 1988. Dundon, who is also the principal owner of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, is a well-known figure in the sports industry. He is known for his bold and strategic business decisions, and fans are eager to see how he will steer the team forward.
The group, which includes several other high-profile investors, has made it clear that their main goal is to keep the Trail Blazers in Portland. This is great news for the city and its loyal fans, who have supported the team through thick and thin. The move also reinforces Dundon's commitment to investing in successful sports franchises.
Impact
The acquisition of the Trail Blazers is a major win for Dundon and the NBA. Not only will it bring in a significant amount of revenue, but it also adds to the growing trend of big-name investors entering the sports industry. This move could pave the way for similar deals in the future, as more wealthy individuals look to
About the People Mentioned
Tom Dundon
Tom Dundon is an American billionaire businessman and sports team owner, best known as the principal owner and governor of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes since January 2018. Born on September 5, 1971, in New York City and raised in Texas, Dundon earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Southern Methodist University in 1993. He co-founded and led Santander Consumer USA, a major U.S. consumer finance company specializing in automobile financing, serving as chairman and CEO and overseeing $35 billion in acquisitions[2][4]. In 2015, Dundon founded Dundon Capital Partners, a Dallas-based private investment firm with interests across industries such as entertainment, healthcare, real estate, hospitality, technology, automotive, and financial services. He holds majority ownership in Employer Direct Healthcare and is a significant investor and director in companies like Topgolf and OTO Development. Dundon has also been involved in real estate, including the purchase of a 33-story office building in downtown Dallas[1][3][4]. Dundon's tenure as owner of the Carolina Hurricanes has been marked by notable success. When he acquired the team, it was struggling with poor attendance and playoff absences. Under his ownership, the Hurricanes have made the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons, won three division titles, and reached the Eastern Conference Finals three times. The franchise's attendance and revenue have significantly increased, with sellout streaks and substantial growth in ticket sales and corporate sponsorships[6]. In addition to hockey, Dundon has invested in emerging sports such as professional pickleball and was chairman and a major investor in the Alliance of American Football, though that league folded in 2019. In 2025, he agreed to purchase the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers for $4.2 billion, expanding his influence in professional sports[4][5]. He resides in Dallas, Texas, with his family and maintains a net worth estimated between $1.2 billion and $2.6 billion[4].
Paul Allen
Paul Allen (January 21, 1953 – October 15, 2018) was an American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation. Born in Seattle, Washington, Allen met Bill Gates while attending Lakeside School, and their shared interest in computers led to a lifelong partnership. In 1975, Allen and Gates founded Microsoft, initially focusing on developing software for the emerging personal computer market. Allen played a central technical role, notably helping to secure the contract to adapt BASIC for the Altair 8800 and later negotiating the deal for Microsoft to license the operating system that became MS-DOS to IBM. This partnership positioned Microsoft at the forefront of the PC revolution. Allen served as Microsoft’s chief technologist until 1983, when he stepped down due to a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s disease. He remained on the company’s board of directors until 2000. After leaving Microsoft, Allen founded Vulcan Inc., a private investment and project management company, to oversee his diverse business interests. He became a major owner of professional sports teams, including the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA), and invested in technology, media, and real estate ventures. Allen was also a significant philanthropist, co-founding the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and funding major initiatives in science, education, and the arts. He contributed $100 million to establish the Allen Institute for Brain Science, supporting open-access neuroscience research. Allen’s legacy includes pioneering work in technology, substantial contributions to philanthropy, and lasting impacts on sports and culture in the Pacific Northwest. He passed away in 2018, but his influence continues through the organizations and projects he supported.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are a professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon, competing in the NBA’s Western Conference Northwest Division. Founded in 1970 as an expansion franchise, the team struggled initially, missing the playoffs in its first six seasons. Their breakthrough came in 1977 when, led by coach Jack Ramsay and star Bill Walton, they won their only NBA championship to date after a dramatic comeback in the Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers[1][2][3]. The Trail Blazers’ identity is closely tied to “Rip City,” a passionate fan culture emphasizing unselfish play and strong defense. The team made further NBA Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992, led by stars such as Clyde Drexler, but fell short of additional titles. The franchise has made the playoffs 37 times in 54 seasons, reflecting sustained competitiveness[3]. Ownership has played a pivotal role in the Blazers' business and cultural footprint. Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, owned the team from 1988 until his death in 2018, investing significant resources and passion into the franchise[1][4]. Currently, the team is transitioning to new ownership led by Texas businessman Tom Dundon, who plans to keep the franchise in Portland and develop its entertainment value, signaling stability and future growth in both sports and business dimensions[4]. Key figures across the Blazers’ history include Hall of Famers Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler, and recent star Damian Lillard, who is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. The team is known for its distinctive logo representing basketball itself rather than the city or team name, symbolizing its unique brand identity[1][3]. In recent years, the Blazers have been competitive playoff contenders, adapting to evolving NBA formats such as the play-in tournament. Coaching changes, including the hiring of Chauncey Billups in 2021, mark ongoing efforts to build a championship-caliber team. The franchise’s legacy
Carolina Hurricanes
## Overview The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, competing in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference[1]. The organization’s primary focus is on high-level sports entertainment, operating as a major league franchise that generates significant economic and cultural impact in the region[1]. The Hurricanes play their home games at the Lenovo Center, a modern arena that also hosts concerts and events, further expanding the organization’s business footprint beyond hockey[1]. ## History The franchise traces its roots to 1971 as the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association (WHA), where it quickly found success, winning the Eastern Division in its first three seasons and capturing the inaugural Avco World Trophy in 1973[1]. After joining the NHL in 1979 as the Hartford Whalers, the team relocated to North Carolina in 1997 and rebranded as the Hurricanes[1]. This move marked a significant shift, bringing major league sports to a region previously without such a presence. ## Key Achievements The Hurricanes’ most notable achievement is their 2006 Stanley Cup championship, which remains the only major professional sports title for a team from North Carolina[1]. This victory was historic not only for the region but also within the NHL, as the Hurricanes became the first team to win the Cup despite losing at least nine playoff games that year—a feat matched by only a few other teams since[1]. The Hurricanes also reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2002, further cementing their reputation as a competitive franchise[1]. ## Current Status As of the 2025-26 season, the Hurricanes are off to a strong start with a 7-3-0 record, placing them third in the Metropolitan Division[2][4]. The roster features emerging talents such as Seth Jarvis (leading the team in goals and
