“Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish said on Thursday that he expects the city’s NBA team to be sold in the wake of owner Paul Allen’s death last year. Fish is concerned that new Trail Blazers ownership might seek to relocate the team.”
It is well know they will be sold. Also the Pelicans. But they won't be moved. Portland has a very big fanbase and I think very good facilities.
So, what's the Blazers situation in terms of paying the tax? Anybody knows if they were over the tax last season too?
yeah they can. First of all even though the sister of the previous owner doesn't give a crap, the league will intervene and direct her to owners who will guarantee that the Blazers won't move. They don't have any legit excuse anyway, Seattle moved because they didn't have a new stadium and the league is determined not to allow any other historical team to move again. Now the Pelicans don't have proper fanbase or much of a history so that's another story.
the league have to approve every new owner. So yes they can put serious hindrances to such a move. The league doesn't want the team to move out of Portland and away from Nike's headquarters. And they have a very big and lively fanbase that should be out in the streets if they were to move.
This. And add Adidas (North America HQ) along with Nike. The Blazers are the the only thing Portland has as far as major sports teams go. There’s a rich tradition here with a loyal fan base that fills the arena every game, every season regardless of their record sans (Jailblazer era).
