Dundon, who also holds an ownership stake in the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, acknowledged the passionate nature of the Portland fanbase in his correspondence. He noted that he has observed the high expectations supporters place on the team, drawing a parallel to his experience in Raleigh, where he witnessed the Hurricanes secure the Stanley Cup. By emphasizing that he avoids making empty promises, Dundon positioned his track record as evidence of his commitment to achieving success in the Pacific Northwest.
Addressing Arena Negotiations and Organizational Stability
The owner’s message comes at a time of heightened scrutiny regarding his tenure. Since taking over the franchise, Dundon has faced criticism following a series of layoffs that affected approximately 70 employees during the summer. Furthermore, the organization is currently navigating complex negotiations regarding the future of the
The ownership group is seeking $585 million in public funding to facilitate renovations for the facility. While local government entities—including the city of Portland, Multnomah County, and the state of Oregon—have reached an agreement on the funding structure, the finalization of a new lease agreement remains a critical hurdle. With a deadline set for December, there has been public speculation regarding the team's future in the city should an agreement fail to materialize.
In his email, Dundon sought to reassure fans regarding the team's long-term commitment to the venue. He stated that the primary objective is to ensure the Moda Center remains a premier facility within the NBA. While acknowledging that there is significant work remaining to finalize the terms, he confirmed that the organization intends to continue pushing forward to reach a resolution.
