Pickleball Mogul Tom Dundon Strikes: Tom Dundon, owner of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP), has reached a tentative deal to purchase the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. The franchise, valued at just over $4 billion, is currently owned by the estate of Paul G. Allen.
Deal Details
The report was first shared by ESPN on Wednesday. Later, Tom Dundon confirmed the agreement to Sports Business Journal.
Dundon, who also owns the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, is leading an investment group for the purchase. That group includes Marc Zahr, co-president of Blue Owl Capital, and Sheel Tyle, founder and co-CEO of Collective Global.
The group has already stated its intent to keep the Trail Blazers in Portland.
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Next Steps
The sale will require approval from the NBA’s Board of Governors before becoming official.
If finalized, the proceeds from the transaction will go toward philanthropic projects, continuing the legacy of Paul G. Allen.
Future Arena Plans
According to ESPN, Dundon’s group plans to work with the city of Portland and the state of Oregon on a possible public-private partnership for a new arena deal.
Paul Allen’s Legacy
Paul G. Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, died from cancer in 2018. His sports ownership included more than just the Trail Blazers. He also owned the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and was a part owner of MLS’ Seattle Sounders.
Why It Matters
If completed, this sale would mark a major shift in ownership for the Trail Blazers while also highlighting Tom Dundon’s growing influence in professional sports. The move keeps the franchise rooted in Portland while opening the door for possible upgrades in facilities and new investments in the community.
News in Brief: Pickleball Mogul Tom Dundon Strikes
Tom Dundon, owner of PPA, MLP, and the Carolina Hurricanes, has agreed to buy the Portland Trail Blazers for over $4 billion from Paul G. Allen’s estate. His group, including Marc Zahr and Sheel Tyle, plans to keep the team in Portland. The deal still needs NBA approval.
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