NBA commissioner Adam Silver says the current state of Moda Center is a key issue as the Trail Blazers seek new ownership.

Silver was asked about the upcoming sale of the Trail Blazers and whether he wants to see them remain in Portland during his annual NBA Board of Governors press conference in Las Vegas, site of the 2025 Summer League.

The estate of Paul G. Allen announced on May 13 that the Blazers were for sale. The process is expected to last into next season.

There is concern a new owner could potentially relocate the Blazers to another city. It’s something that was addressed by Sen. Ron Wyden and the state legislature, which took steps to inform Silver and the NBA that they want the team to remain in Rip City.

Silver’s response: “It’s the league’s preference that that team remain in Portland. We’ve had great success in Portland over the years. I don’t have a specific update on the process but I know it is underway and I know there are groups that are actively engaged with the estate and have demonstrated interest in that team. I’d say one of the factors there is that the city of Portland likely needs a new arena. So, that will be part of the challenge for any new ownership group coming in. But it certainly will be our preference that that team remain in Portland.”

Mention of a new arena is new, as talk about the aging Moda Center has focused on remodeling to keep pace with modern NBA arenas.

In a written statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive, the City of Portland’s department of community and economic development said, “Last year, the City Council approved a bridge agreement that secures the Moda Center as the team’s home through at least the 2029–30 season, while setting the stage for a major renovation of the nearly 30-year-old arena to create a state-of-the-art facility. The City continues to collaborate with team leadership and looks forward to forging a strong partnership with new ownership to ensure that Oregon’s favorite basketball team continues to thrive in Portland.”

Last February, the Blazers announced plans to complete videoboard upgrades over the summer. That was considered to be phase one of several remodeling efforts planned by the franchise in the coming years.

Now, other upgrades would fall on new ownership.

The Moda Center, which opened before the 1995-96 season, is tied for the seventh-oldest NBA arena. The seven other arenas on that list have all undergone extensive renovations in recent years.

The arenas: Madison Square Garden (New York Knicks, 1967-68), Target Center (Minnesota Timberwolves, 1990-91), Delta Center (Utah Jazz, 1991-92), PHX Arena (Phoenix Suns, 1992-93), United Center (Chicago Bulls, 1994-95) and Rocket Arena (Cleveland Cavaliers, 1994-95) and TD Garden (Boston Celtics, 1995-96).

Wyden sent a letter to Silver in May urging the NBA to keep the Blazers in Portland.

On Wednesday, he issued a statement in response to Silver’s comments in Las Vegas.

“I’m glad Commissioner Silver reiterated the league’s longstanding preference that the team remain right where all Trail Blazers fans know it belongs – right here in Rip City,” Wyden said. “I’m also glad the commissioner pointed out the franchise’s decades of success in Portland. As for the arena discussion, that’s not a new issue and I will keep working with the commissioner along with officials from both the Blazers and the city to ensure the Blazers stay in Portland. Simply put, I will keep working whenever with whoever to achieving that goal.”

Last month, the Oregon Senate unanimously approved HCR 40, a resolution recognizing the importance of the Portland Trail Blazers to the state.

— Bill Oram contributed to this story.

— Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)

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