NBA commissioner Adam Silver visited Portland after Oregon lawmakers approved a bill to fund the Moda Center's $365 million renovation. The measure, passed last week, grants the state joint ownership of the 30-year-old arena with the city, creating a funding pathway for upgrades. The move comes as the Portland Trail Blazers' sale to a group led by NHL's Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon progresses, easing concerns about the team's future in the city.**

The legislative effort aligns with the Blazers' push to modernize the arena to attract major events like the NBA All-Star Game and NCAA Tournament. Silver emphasized the Moda Center's role beyond basketball, noting it will host the upcoming Portland Fire WNBA team and serve as a hub for conventions, concerts, and graduations. "These arenas are part of the lifeblood of communities," he said in a Blazers interview, highlighting economic impacts from missed large-scale events due to outdated facilities.**

Silver met with Portland officials to discuss next steps but did not address reporters at Friday's game against the Utah Jazz. The Blazers' ownership sale, already approved by Paul Allen's estate, is pending NBA Board of Governors' final sign-off later this month. The total renovation project is estimated at $600 million, with the state's $365 million contribution aiming to secure Portland's status as a premier sports destination.**

The Moda Center, currently the league's oldest operational arena, requires updates to remain competitive. Silver acknowledged, "There may be a building or two older, but have already gone through significant renovations." The upgrades aim to position Portland as a hub for multi-sport events and economic growth, ensuring the city isn't left behind in hosting high-profile games and conventions.