Nike co-founder, Phil Knight and Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Alan Smolinisky submitted a bid to buy the Portland Trail Blazers for more than $2 billion on Thursday. Phil Knight definitely has history with the state of Oregon as being named the richest person to reside there with a net worth of tens of billions of dollars. The history of ownership of the franchise is it being owned currently by Paul G. Allen Trust, which is the managing estate of Microsoft co-founder, Paul G. Allen, who died in 2018. His sister, Jody Allen the current executor of his estates and serves as chair of the Trail Blazers. She herself was looking for the team to be sold after her brother’s death. However, the Trail Blazers franchise and representatives say the team is not for sale…yet. NBA commissioner, Adam Silver quoted that at some point the team will come to except an offer, but for now the current deal the franchise received is up in the air.
Forbes has the team ranked No. 13 among all NBA franchises at $2.05 billion. Jody Allen has managed the team, also to add to the package are the NFL Seattle Seahawks, sources say. The slogan for now is not for sale…yet. Many had speculations of possibly moving the team’s location if the sale follows through. Commissioner, Silver confirmed that whomever purchase the team, it will remain in the city of Portland. Silva stated the city is a small media market and has a very strong fan support. The fans are on track with any information about their team; rather it be about trade rumors, draft picks, and of course their star player, Damian Lillard.
Many of the fans, as well as the media is waiting for the final say. No one knows exactly how far we are or how close we are to a deal, nothing was made clear, unfortunately.
