Portland Trail Blazers commit to staying in Portland amid arena funding talks

Portland Trail Blazers President Dewayne Hankins has expressed a commitment to keeping the NBA franchise in Portland, amid ongoing negotiations regarding the renovation of the Moda Center.

Approximately $586 million in public funding has been approved for improvements to the 31-year-old arena, with $365 million from the state of Oregon subject to a December deadline. While previous tensions existed between the team's ownership, led by Tom Dundon, and local authorities regarding who should cover renovation costs, Hankins stated the organization is working toward an agreement that benefits both the owners and public partners.

Former Blazers star Damian Lillard also voiced his desire for the team to remain in the city, describing Portland as his home. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has previously noted that the departure of the franchise from Portland would constitute a failure for the league.