I imagine ownership by Mackenzie Scott would somehow include a WNBA franchise as well similar to the Timbers and Thorns. Interesting angle on the Seattle and Vegas expansion fee. While Portlanders are right to be worried about potential relocation, taking Vegas and Seattle off the table would dramatically shrink the number of viable places to move the team.
May 24, 2022·edited May 25, 2022Liked by John Canzano
Thank you for staying on top of this story and keeping us updated.
MacKenzie Scott having interest does seem peculiar given what I know of her, which is admittedly little. But if she really does want the Blazers, I think she'd be a great owner. I'm much more leery of Ellison. He seems like he'd just be another Jody Allen, distant and dispassionate (and having been involved with the crew that tried to overturn the 2020 election is a bad look too).
I just hope wherever the new owners come from they love sports not just buying a new toy. Also respect all employees involved that includes Arena & Stadium employees.
It is interesting that many of us were critical of Paul Allen during his tenure as the Blazer's owner, and now realize how fortunate we were to have him, while confessing that the jail Blazer era was a dark time. I'd be delighted to have a female owner, and most of all I hope we have an ethical, principled owner, who loves NBA basketball, and has a vision for building a championship caliber team in Portland.
You have become an institution. I just read an article-by another writer-which basically paraphrased and quoted this entire article ("According to John Canzano....")
a billion here, a billion there; adds up in a little while. Meanwhile the masses pay $5.00+/gallon for gasoline and $1300+ for a one bedroom apartment. How about a franchise in Saudi. If they can buy out the PGA, an NBA franchise is no problem. And with an SST jet coming on line soon; the commute is doable. [Virgin Galactic's planned supersonic jet is designed to reach speeds of Mach 3, or about 2,300 miles per hour] about a 3 1/2 hour flight from Riyadh to Denver.
Interesting point re the Trusts, but it is not uncommon for a Trust liquidation to take years.
The goal is maximizing value and if a Trust were construed to require an immediate liquidation, that would in and of itself result in a lower valuation.
By stating there is no fixed deadline, Allen's sister is doing the right thing and enhancing value.
I was just honestly shocked at how big some of these peoples bank accounts are, 30 billion? oh man, thats a super heavy weight. It was a good read, easy for someone like me (who isnt into sports franchises) to be able to understand right away, i may not know who the people are but they are definently what we call, "ballers".
I believe that one of Mr Allen's "passion projects is(was?l The Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum yet as of this moment the doors are locked tight and the rumors of it being sold are rampant
At this point expansion makes way more sense than stealing a franchise, especially a former Paul Allen team. I want the sonics back but not via Portland. I’d take a different franchise if it came to it but I don’t really think the NBA is making that mistake again.
Massive and complex is right. Thanks for explaining all the balls involved as they are being juggled.
I imagine ownership by Mackenzie Scott would somehow include a WNBA franchise as well similar to the Timbers and Thorns. Interesting angle on the Seattle and Vegas expansion fee. While Portlanders are right to be worried about potential relocation, taking Vegas and Seattle off the table would dramatically shrink the number of viable places to move the team.
Thank you for staying on top of this story and keeping us updated.
MacKenzie Scott having interest does seem peculiar given what I know of her, which is admittedly little. But if she really does want the Blazers, I think she'd be a great owner. I'm much more leery of Ellison. He seems like he'd just be another Jody Allen, distant and dispassionate (and having been involved with the crew that tried to overturn the 2020 election is a bad look too).
“In good hands” is all we can hope for, for now. I swing my vote to Scott. Keep those savy woman working,.
Thanks for clearing this up John! It would be criminal if the Trailblazers were to be moved. Rip City would have something to say.
I just hope wherever the new owners come from they love sports not just buying a new toy. Also respect all employees involved that includes Arena & Stadium employees.
Remember I said a move to Seattle is possible? I think it still is but I feel better about it knowing there is money on the table.
It is interesting that many of us were critical of Paul Allen during his tenure as the Blazer's owner, and now realize how fortunate we were to have him, while confessing that the jail Blazer era was a dark time. I'd be delighted to have a female owner, and most of all I hope we have an ethical, principled owner, who loves NBA basketball, and has a vision for building a championship caliber team in Portland.
You have become an institution. I just read an article-by another writer-which basically paraphrased and quoted this entire article ("According to John Canzano....")
a billion here, a billion there; adds up in a little while. Meanwhile the masses pay $5.00+/gallon for gasoline and $1300+ for a one bedroom apartment. How about a franchise in Saudi. If they can buy out the PGA, an NBA franchise is no problem. And with an SST jet coming on line soon; the commute is doable. [Virgin Galactic's planned supersonic jet is designed to reach speeds of Mach 3, or about 2,300 miles per hour] about a 3 1/2 hour flight from Riyadh to Denver.
Interesting point re the Trusts, but it is not uncommon for a Trust liquidation to take years.
The goal is maximizing value and if a Trust were construed to require an immediate liquidation, that would in and of itself result in a lower valuation.
By stating there is no fixed deadline, Allen's sister is doing the right thing and enhancing value.
I was just honestly shocked at how big some of these peoples bank accounts are, 30 billion? oh man, thats a super heavy weight. It was a good read, easy for someone like me (who isnt into sports franchises) to be able to understand right away, i may not know who the people are but they are definently what we call, "ballers".
TYMED =teaching young minds every day
Interesting
I believe that one of Mr Allen's "passion projects is(was?l The Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum yet as of this moment the doors are locked tight and the rumors of it being sold are rampant
Where's all the money???
Don't leave Travis Boersma owner of Dutch Bros off that list
At this point expansion makes way more sense than stealing a franchise, especially a former Paul Allen team. I want the sonics back but not via Portland. I’d take a different franchise if it came to it but I don’t really think the NBA is making that mistake again.