Oregon Voters Lacked Interest in Blazers Lease Deal
A new poll shows most voters view the potential $600 million Moda Center renovation as unimportant.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Basketball
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A recent poll revealed that 64 percent of Oregon voters consider the Trail Blazers lease negotiations to be unimportant. The survey of 600 registered voters suggests broad indifference toward a potential $600 million government-funded renovation of the Moda Center.
Why it matters
Proponents of the renovation fear that without a swift agreement, the team owner may relocate the franchise. The city faces a deadline to negotiate a new 20-year lease with the team by the end of December.
State lawmakers have approved $365 million in funding for the project, which is contingent on the city and county providing the remaining balance. The survey carried a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent.
The players
Portland Trail Blazers
This professional basketball team plays at the Moda Center and is currently negotiating a new long-term lease.
DHM Research
This research firm conducted the telephone and text survey of 600 registered voters regarding the arena lease.
The details
While statewide sentiment is largely apathetic, Portland voters are more divided, with 43 percent viewing the deal as important compared to 55 percent who do not. Republican respondents showed the highest level of disinterest, with 76 percent stating the deal is not important.
Timeline
DHM Research conducted the poll between September 24 and October 1, 2026.
The city must reach a new 20-year lease agreement by the end of December 2026.
Season Trajectory
This public sentiment complicates the ongoing negotiations regarding the city and county's shared funding obligation for the Moda Center. The political pushback highlights the difficulty in securing local support for a project that relies on the city and county's shared funding obligation for the Moda Center.
The public opposition may influence local officials as they prepare to secure the remaining funding balance required by state law. If the lease is not finalized, the city risks losing a primary anchor tenant for the Moda Center.
The takeaway
Public indifference may complicate the timeline for city officials working to secure the arena's financial future. Residents should monitor upcoming city council meetings for updates on the specific funding contributions required to bridge the gap in the state-approved arena project.
What happens next
The city and the Portland Trail Blazers must finalize their new 20-year lease agreement by the end of December 2026.
Further reading
For more on the franchise, visit Portland Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.
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