Portland Mayor: Moda Center Deal 'Fragile'

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has expressed concern over the negotiations between the city and the Trail Blazers for a deal to renovate the Moda Center, calling them 'fragile'. The mayor stated that there is no certainty of an agreement, with several sticking points still to be resolved.

The main issues holding up the negotiations include the team's demand for a 'first-class standard' for the arena, as well as disagreements over rent and union issues. Despite the challenges, Mayor Wilson believes it is crucial to reach a deal, citing the 50-year history of the Trail Blazers in Portland.

Blazers owner Tom Dundon is personally involved in the negotiations, along with a team representing his interests. The city has also been actively engaged in the talks, with City Administrator Raymond Lee traveling to Texas in September to meet with Dundon face-to-face. The meeting was paid for by the city, highlighting the importance of the negotiations.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has also weighed in on the issue, calling a potential Trail Blazers exit from Portland a 'failure'. Mayor Wilson agrees, stating that a failure to reach an agreement would be a failure not just for the NBA and the team's owner, but also for the city, county, and state.

## Why it matters The outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for the city of Portland and the Trail Blazers franchise. If a deal is not reached, it could lead to the team's departure from the city, resulting in a loss of revenue and jobs. On the other hand, a successful agreement would ensure the team's continued presence in Portland, benefiting the local economy and the team's loyal fan base.

The stakes are high, with Mayor Wilson emphasizing that the failure to reach an agreement would be a collective failure for all parties involved. As the negotiations continue, the city and the Trail Blazers will need to work together to resolve the outstanding issues and find a mutually beneficial solution.