Portland Mayor Has Met with Adam Silver re: Blazers Sale

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to reaffirm the city’s commitment to keeping the Portland Trail Blazers in town in the wake of the franchise’s upcoming sale. Andrew Theen of OPB published an article this week with a longer explanation of the interaction. The half-hour phone meeting occurred on June 4th, according to the mayor’s calendar. Theen gives further details received from Mayor Wilson’s office:

“Yes, the Mayor had a warm and productive meeting with NBA Commissioner to reaffirm Portland’s commitment to keeping the Trail Blazers in Portland back in June,” said Cody Bowman, a spokesperson for the mayor.

In an email, Bowman said the mayor has “been working closely” with the franchise’s leaders as the sales process unfolds. “The City is committed to working collaboratively across jurisdictions to ensure the Trail Blazers remain a cornerstone of Portland’s cultural and economic landscape.”

The article also details further efforts by local civic groups to explore options for keeping the Blazers in Portland.

Per the article, the city is spending $4 million this year towards new video screens at the Moda Center, reflecting not just a commitment to the franchise, but the mayor’s affirmation that renovating the current arena via public-private partnerships is the best way forward.