An agreement is moving forward for one of Paul Allen’s most valuable assets. Jody Allen, Paul Allen’s sister, has agreed to sell the Portland Trail Blazers to billionaire investor Tom Dundon, at a valuation exceeding $4 billion. Dundon, who owns the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, has a background that includes involvement in the short-lived Alliance of American Football project about six years ago.
There is no deadline set for the sale of the Trail Blazers or the larger portfolio that includes the Seattle Seahawks, according to the conveyance of the deal.
What about the Seahawks, their NFL franchise? The value of the Seahawks, like any top-tier team, is ultimately determined by what a buyer is willing to pay. The sale price is not fixed in stone and can move with market conditions. Some observers have suggested that, if the Seahawks were ever put on the market, the price would start at around $10 billion, with the figure potentially climbing as demand for premier sports franchises continues to rise.
Implications and context
– Any sale of a franchise in a major league typically requires approval from the relevant league—here, the NBA would need to evaluate and approve a change in ownership of the Trail Blazers, and the Seahawks would fall under NFL ownership considerations. Cross-league ownership dynamics can add layers to the process, though ownership of teams in different leagues is not unheard of.
– A sale at this scale underscores the robust demand and high valuations attached to elite sports properties, and it could influence market discussions for other franchise assets in the region and beyond.
Bottom line
The estate-based sale of the Trail Blazers to Dundon marks a major pivot in Pacific Northwest sports ownership, with a price tag that signals continued appetite for premier franchises. The Seahawks remain a highly valued asset in the portfolio, with market chatter suggesting any sale would attract formidable interest at a premium—though no official price is set until a potential deal materializes and passes league approvals.
Summary
The Trail Blazers are poised to change hands in a deal estimated at over $4 billion to Tom Dundon, while the Seahawks’ value remains a topic of market speculation, likely to reflect strong demand for top sports franchises.
Additional context
– The deal highlights ongoing investor interest in building diversified sports portfolios.
– If completed, it would bring a new owner with experience in multiple major leagues to Portland and the broader regional sports landscape.
– The absence of a deadline suggests a careful, potentially extended process as regulatory and league approvals are navigated.
Positive note
This level of buyer interest and high valuations can propel investment in team operations, fan experiences, and community initiatives that accompany major franchise ownership, potentially benefiting teams, markets, and fans in the long term.