SALEM, Ore. (Feb. 9, 2026) — State and local leaders on Monday voiced support for a proposal to renovate Portland’s Moda Center, calling the publicly owned arena a major economic driver and a cornerstone of the region’s sports, entertainment and community life, while critics raised concerns about public spending priorities, financial risk and accountability.
The push follows the introduction of Senate Bill 1501, which would establish a framework for the state to develop a multi-jurisdictional agreement to renovate the venue, branded in the proposal as “Oregon’s Arena.” Supporters say the project would modernize the building, revitalize the Lower Albina neighborhood and strengthen Portland’s ability to attract major sporting events and national concert tours.
According to state officials, the Moda Center generates an estimated $670 million in annual regional economic impact, supports nearly 4,500 jobs and hosts more than 240 days of sports, entertainment and community programming each year.
Gov. Tina Kotek, Senate President Rob Wagner, House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Portland City Council President Jamie Dunphy issued a joint statement backing the proposal.
“The key to ensuring Portland remains Rip City for years to come is a significant renovation of Moda Center, the oldest venue where the NBA plays that has not undergone a major renovation. We must invest in this publicly-owned, community asset that serves as an economic engine for our state and brings millions of Oregonians and other visitors together each year for concerts, family shows, and community events,” the statement said.
“This is so much bigger than basketball. A renovation of Moda Center will ensure our largest city, and therefore the state, can be competitive in attracting stops for national concert tours, as well as future marquee athletic events like the NCAA Women’s Final Four, which Portland will proudly host in 2030.”
The leaders said the city, county and state are aligned on the need to act quickly to modernize the arena and secure the long-term future of the Portland Trail Blazers, who play their home games at the venue.
“The City of Portland, State of Oregon, and Multnomah County are fully aligned on the need to act now to modernize Moda Center and secure the Blazers’ long-term future here,” the statement said.
Under the proposal, supporters say renovation costs would be covered by reinvesting revenue generated by the arena and using existing funding sources, rather than creating new taxes.
“We have worked together to craft a bill to support a renovation that reinvests revenue generated by Moda Center back into the arena and utilizes other existing revenue sources to preserve this vital community asset without creating new tax burdens for Oregonians. As we vet this proposal in a full public process, we are confident that lawmakers of all backgrounds and party affiliations can agree: Keeping the Blazers in Portland for years to come is a top priority for our economy,” the statement said.
The joint statement also emphasized the team’s role in Oregon’s identity.
“In good times and bad, win or lose, Oregonians stick together. We are defined by work ethic and grit, substance over flash, determination in the face of adversity,” it said.
“After more than 50 years, the Blazers are at the center of our state’s identity. Let’s cement their future in Portland and invest in an economic asset that benefits Oregonians statewide. Game on.”
Opponents of the proposal, including some taxpayer advocates, housing activists and fiscal watchdog groups, argue that public dollars should instead be directed toward core needs such as affordable housing, homelessness services, public safety and education. They caution that large arena projects often exceed original cost estimates and place long-term financial obligations on taxpayers, even when new taxes are not proposed.
Critics have also questioned whether public investment in professional sports facilities delivers the promised economic returns, citing studies that suggest stadium and arena spending can simply shift entertainment dollars rather than generate new economic activity. Others say the Legislature should require stronger guarantees from team ownership before committing public resources, including long-term lease extensions and binding commitments to community benefits.
Some community advocates have additionally raised concerns about displacement and gentrification pressures in the Lower Albina area, arguing that redevelopment tied to the arena should include enforceable protections and investments for historically impacted communities before the state moves forward.
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