The potential for sports ownership to cross over is immense. And in its freshest initiative, Nike’s Phil Knight and LA Dodgers’ part-owner Alan Smolinisky may make the latest foray. With the two lining up a bid to buy the Portland Trail Blazers, it may set the ownership for a shuffle. Although the current owner is reportedly hesitant to sell, the offer on the table is said to significantly reflect the valuation of the Trail Blazers. And while it remains to be seen, if any deal materializes, it is surely on the cards.

The Portland Trail Blazers may not be high on the NBA’s list of marketable fan bases, but they represent something more organic. With a consistent qualification to the post-season year-on-year, the ‘Blazers have put together a faithful fanbase. The team’s valuation rung up the registers at $2.05 billion in 2021, according to Forbes. And we believe the new bid to be in that region. But with the Paul Allen Trust in no hurry to sell, this deal looks far from materializing.

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Could MLB part-owner Smolinisky be lining up an NBA ownership bid?

With the Phil Knight-led group ready to put in an ownership bid, it is believed that Alan Smolinisky could also be a part of their long-term plans. Ex-Nike CEO, Phil Knight and his long-term connections with the region may go a long way in the bid’s success. Further, his association with his alma mater, the University of Oregon, could also reflect the group’s desire to keep the team in Portland for the long term.

Reportedly, Phil Knight will lead the ownership group. And Alan Smolinisky will have a part to play too. With the business mogul becoming part-owner of the LA Dodgers in 2019, it appears as though he has widened his plans to include NBA franchises too.

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The team is currently under the ownership of the Paul Allen Trust. Although after his passing in October 2018, it has been controlled and managed by his sister, Jody Allen. The estate terms state that a sale of the franchise is to be carried out. The timing of the sale, however, is uncertain. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “It will work its way out, but I know Jody and her advisers are very focused on it. As to the timing, that is something her brother left in her hands.”

Smolinisky’s foray into MLB has been a success. He joined the Dodgers’ ownership in 2019 before the team went on a winning run to snag the pennant in 2020. And Portland fans will certainly hope his run continues.

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Could we see the Trail Blazers have a similar trajectory? Or do you think a few more things need to fall in place before you can decide for sure?