Trail Blazers' Unfortunate Ranking in NBA Franchise Valuations

The Portland Trail Blazers were ranked No. 22 out of 30 teams in CNBC’s latest NBA franchise valuations list, with the organization valued at $3.65 billion.

At the top of the list, Golden State ($9.4 billion), the New York Knicks ($7.5 billion), and the Los Angeles Lakers ($7 billion) continue to dominate as the league’s most valuable franchises. Meanwhile, at the bottom, New Orleans ($3.3 billion), Minnesota ($3.25 billion), and Memphis ($3.2 billion) round out the least valuable teams in terms of financial valuation.

The Blazers' ownership situation remains a major storyline. The franchise is still controlled by the Paul G. Allen Trust, following the Microsoft co-founder’s passing in 2018. Jody Allen, Paul’s sister, serves as executor and trusteeof his estate and is the chair of the Trail Blazers. While the trust is required to sell off all of Allen’s assets, including the Blazers and Seattle Seahawks, there has been no movement toward a sale—at least publicly.

For years, Jody Allen has insisted the team is not for sale, despite ongoing speculation. Instead, the franchise appears to be focusing on long-term value growth, including renovating the Rose Quarter and upgrading the Moda Center.

In 2022, Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Alan Smolinisky reportedly offered $2.3 billion to buy the Blazers. Allen rejected the offer.