NBA Approves $4.1 Billion Trail Blazers Sale to Dundon

The NBA Board of Governors approved the sale of the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, March 30, 2026, transferring controlling interest from the estate of the late Paul Allen to an investment group led by Texas businessman Tom Dundon. The transaction, valued at approximately $4.1 billion, is expected to close this week, marking the end of nearly four decades of Allen family ownership for the franchise founded in 1970.

The deal is structured in two phases. Dundon's group will acquire an 80.1 percent stake at a $4 billion valuation, with that portion set to finalize on Tuesday, March 31. The remaining 19.9 percent will be purchased at a $4.5 billion valuation no later than September 1, 2028. During the interim period, Bert Kolde, the longtime chairman under the Allen ownership, will observe board meetings without voting or decision-making authority. The NBA issued a statement confirming the approval, noting that Dundon will serve as the team's new governor.

Paul Allen, the Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist, originally bought the Trail Blazers in 1988 for $70 million, transforming the team into a consistent contender with NBA Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992. Allen, who...