Could the Trail Blazers Sale Bring the NBA to St. Louis?
As rumors swirl around the inevitable sale of the Portland Trail Blazers, basketball fans across the country are eyeing potential relocation options. For St. Louis sports enthusiasts, this high-stakes situation raises an exciting question about our city’s readiness for a professional basketball franchise. With a proven track record of supporting major league teams, St. Louis could find itself in the conversation as the league prepares for future realignment.
Understanding the Blazers Ownership Situation
The Portland Trail Blazers are managed by Jody Allen, trustee of the Paul G. Allen Trust. Following the passing of the Microsoft co-founder in 2018, instructions were left to eventually liquidate his sports empire, which also includes the Seattle Seahawks. While there is no immediate deadline, sports business analysts agree a sale is inevitable. Nike founder Phil Knight has already made multi-billion dollar bids, but the trust continues to hold. When a franchise sells, new owners often evaluate the home market’s arena situation, and any friction in Portland could spark relocation discussions.
Why St. Louis Fits the NBA Blueprint
St. Louis has a storied sports history and a loyal fan base, as demonstrated by the Cardinals, the Blues, and the incredible launch of St. Louis CITY SC. Our metro area represents a top-25 media market with a deeply ingrained sports culture. St. Louis has already proven it can support winter indoor sports, consistently filling the Enterprise Center. Furthermore, our city has a rich basketball legacy; the St. Louis Hawks won an NBA Championship here in 1958 before moving to Atlanta. Bringing an NBA team back would tap into a region that consistently produces elite basketball talent.
Comparing Potential Relocation and Expansion Cities
While St. Louis presents a compelling case, it faces stiff competition from other metropolitan areas actively campaigning for an NBA franchise.
| Metro Area | Population | Primary Arena | Pro Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO | 2.8 Million | Enterprise Center | 3 |
| Seattle, WA | 4.0 Million | Climate Pledge Arena | 4 |
| Las Vegas, NV | 2.3 Million | T-Mobile Arena | 3 |
Key Hurdles for a St. Louis NBA Bid
Securing an NBA franchise is not a simple task. Seattle and Las Vegas are widely considered the clear frontrunners for any expansion or relocation. Seattle wants to resurrect the SuperSonics, while Las Vegas has built a reputation as a premier sports destination. For St. Louis to jump ahead in the pecking order, a local ownership group must step forward with a massive capital commitment, likely exceeding $3.5 billion for the purchase and associated fees, along with a plan to manage scheduling conflicts at the Enterprise Center.
What to Watch Next
The next year will be critical for NBA franchise movement. The league must first finalize its next multi-billion dollar television and media rights deal. Once that revenue is secured, commissioner Adam Silver is expected to address expansion and relocation. Local sports fans should watch for any movement from St. Louis-based business leaders or civic groups organizing to form a prospective ownership coalition. Action behind the scenes will dictate whether St. Louis is ready to strike when the opportunity arises.
- Will the Portland Trail Blazers definitely relocate?
No. The NBA prefers teams to remain in their current markets, but a new owner could push for a move if arena upgrades are not approved in Portland. - Does St. Louis have an arena that meets NBA standards?
Yes. The Enterprise Center is a premier facility that recently underwent $160 million in renovations, making it fully capable of hosting an NBA team. - Who would fund a potential NBA team in St. Louis?
A successful bid would require a wealthy local or national ownership group, potentially featuring regional corporate partners or local sports figures. - How does expansion affect relocation?
If the NBA adds two expansion teams, it satisfies Seattle and Las Vegas, potentially leaving St. Louis as a top landing spot if another franchise decides to relocate.
While a direct relocation of the Portland Trail Blazers to the Gateway City remains a long shot, St. Louis residents can position our region for future NBA consideration by continuing to support local franchises and keeping the pressure on civic leaders to court prospective sports investors.
Could Blazers Sale Bring NBA To St Louis
