Claim: Multnomah County voted on an $88M taxpayer contribution to the $600M Moda Center renovation to keep the Trail Blazers in Portland.

The Portland Trail Blazers have been pushing hard for a major renovation of the Moda Center, with whom they have a lease agreement till October 2030. And they are seeking roughly $600 million in public funding to upgrade the arena, which is owned by the City of Portland, having acquired it from the Paul Allen estate for just $1.

What makes the situation particularly interesting, however, is that neither the Trail Blazers nor billionaire owner Tom Dundon plans to contribute any of their own money toward the renovation. Instead, the team is relying entirely on public funding to get the project over the line.

So, Oregon lawmakers have already approved $365 million for the upgrades. However, that money comes with a catch. The state funding is contingent on the City of Portland and Multnomah County also contributing to the project. According to a report from Yahoo Sports, Portland was expected to put up $120 million, while the county must commit to $88 million. 

If either local government fails to contribute, the state’s funding could disappear at the end of 2026. That brings us to the latest development. Multnomah County has now approved its share of the funding, seemingly clearing one of the biggest hurdles standing in the way of the renovation. But is that really the case?

Our Verdict: Partially True

According to a release from Multnomah County, they have indeed voted to approve funding for the renovations. However, instead of $88 million, they have approved $101.6 million. 

On August 6, 2026, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners approved a 4-1 resolution outlining conditions for investing up to $101.6 million toward the renovation. The County’s proposed contribution would prioritize Motor Vehicle Rental Tax and tourism revenues, exclude Business Income Tax proceeds from the Blazers’ sale, and protect the County from renovation cost overruns. 

The agreement would require the Blazers to remain in Portland for at least 20 years. Other conditions include funding clawbacks, annual payments replacing property taxes, new Moda Center-related revenue streams, limits on Portland’s tax exemptions and TIF expansion, and a requirement that the County’s contribution not exceed the City’s. 

Labor agreements, construction and workforce protections, Albina neighborhood benefits, resident and business engagement, disability-access input, and equitable treatment of Portland Fire are also required. Before further funding, the County wants updated economic analysis, a Trail Blazers/Rip City workforce audit, and a detailed renovation plan.

Despite their approval, the Portland City Council is expected to vote August 12, with negotiations continuing through October and a final County vote expected in December. Budget adoptions would follow in June 2027 and June 2028. 

Our fact-checking sources: 

• Yahoo Sports, August 1, 2026. Trail Blazers, city of Portland fight over paying for Moda Center upgrades, could owner try to move team?
• The Multnomah County, August 6, 2026. NEWS RELEASE: Board of Commissioners advances framework for regional investment in Moda Center renovation
• ESPN, May 13, 2025. Paul Allen estate says Trail Blazers officially for sale