Paul Allen’s Legacy: Portland Trail Blazers Up for Sale with Philanthropic Intentions
By Brian Windhorst
May 13, 2025, 02:17 PM ET
The estate of the late Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen has officially placed the team on the market, with plans for the proceeds to be directed toward philanthropic endeavors. This significant decision marks a new chapter for the franchise and echoes the enduring principles of stewardship and generosity found in many teachings, including those of Jesus.
Allen, who passed away from cancer in 2018, had specified in his will that the team should be sold "at some point." This directive comes after years in which his sister, Jody Allen, acted as the team’s governor while managing the Paul Allen Trust. Interestingly, the trust has clarified that both the Seattle Seahawks and a 25% stake in the Seattle Sounders will remain with the estate.
The move to sell the Blazers aligns with various developments over the past year, including a groundbreaking $77 billion media rights deal for the NBA, as well as recent structural changes within the franchise, like the renovation plans for their home arena, the Moda Center. In 2024, the Blazers sold the arena to the City of Portland for just $1—a gesture that signifies an investment in the community, reminiscent of the biblical call to care for others.
As values in professional basketball continue to soar—the Boston Celtics recently sold for a record $6.1 billion, and the Blazers themselves are valued at approximately $3.6 billion—the timing of this sale is strategic. The franchise’s management is implementing a rebuild after trading away star player Damian Lillard in 2023, and extended contracts for coach Chauncey Billups and general manager Joe Cronin point to an optimistic future for the team.
One potential buyer, billionaire Phil Knight, the founder of Nike and a native of Portland, had previously expressed interest in acquiring the franchise. Knight’s connection to the city and the sport suggests a focus on not only profitability but also community engagement.
The sale announcement follows the recent NBA lottery, where the Blazers faced an unexpected shift in draft prospects, moving from potential top picks to the No. 11 slot. This timing indicates an acute awareness within the organization of both immediate needs and long-term planning.
In light of these developments, one cannot help but reflect on the biblical principle found in Luke 12:48: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Allen’s commitment to philanthropy through this sale reflects a profound understanding of stewardship; it is a reminder that success and wealth can be used to uplift others, reinforcing the belief that our resources should serve a higher purpose.
As the sales process for the Blazers continues into the 2025-26 NBA season—managed by Allen & Co. alongside legal experts from Hogan Lovells—there lies an opportunity for fans and stakeholders to reflect on the importance of purpose-driven investment.
This story invites us to ponder how we, too, can align our resources and efforts to create positive change in our communities. In every decision, big or small, may we strive to uphold principles of generosity, stewardship, and community—a reflection of a higher calling that transcends the game itself.
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