The Portland Trail Blazers hope to close the $4.25 billion sale of the franchise to Tom Dundon by March 31, 2026, shortly before the end of the 2025-26 NBA regular season. Dundon, who also owns the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, is expected to bring a “new vibe” to the Blazers.
“He brings a swagger,” a source close to Dundon told The Athletic. “If Tom was the owner last year, he would have been trying to get Luka (Doncic). He would be like, ‘Why should the Lakers have him?’’’
Dundon and the estate of Paul Allen have agreed upon all the major points of the sale and are currently in an exclusivity agreement. The Blazers will remain in Oregon though the future of Mona Center is unclear.
Dundon helped turnaround the Hurricanes, who had missed the playoffs in nine straight seasons when he purchased the team. Carolina has now made the playoffs in all seven seasons since he took over.
“He’s a winner,” the source said. “He’s a straight shooter, and rolls up his sleeves and gets to work. He’s already talking basketball, and he already knows all the salaries of players and employees. He’s really invested in the players — he says you can’t compromise on players.”
