Article Summary
Paul Allen’s legacy lives on as the Portland Trail Blazers are officially up for sale. The sale is being managed by Allen & Co. and is expected to take place over the next few years, potentially fetching a price between $3 billion and $5 billion. This move comes as part of Allen’s posthumous plan to liquidate his assets and direct the proceeds towards charitable efforts through the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.
What This Means for You
- Potential for a record-breaking sale price in the NBA history.
- The end of an era for the Trail Blazers and the beginning of a new one, with the proceeds from the sale going towards philanthropic initiatives.
- Investors and sports enthusiasts should keep an eye on the sale, as it could set new standards for NBA team valuations and charitable giving.
- Future sales of the Seattle Seahawks and Sounders may follow, further solidifying Paul Allen’s philanthropic legacy.
Original Post
Paul Allen’s Legacy Lives On as Trail Blazers Officially Go Up for Sale.
The Portland Trail Blazers are officially on the market.
On Tuesday, the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen confirmed it had begun the process of selling the NBA franchise, marking the end of an era. The sale is being managed by investment bank Allen & Co., with legal support from Hogan Lovells, and is expected to stretch into the 2025–26 NBA season. Given current franchise valuations, the Blazers could fetch between $3 billion and $5 billion—making this one of the most lucrative team sales in league history.
A Legacy Set in Motion
Since Paul Allen’s death in 2018, the Blazers have remained under the stewardship of his sister, Jody Allen, as part of a trust. That trust was established to ensure that his vast portfolio of assets would eventually be liquidated, with the proceeds directed toward charitable efforts through the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.
From Code to Courtside
Paul Allen was more than a tech titan. In 1975, he co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, igniting a digital revolution that would reshape the world. Allen, who held a 25% stake in the company, played a vital role in writing its early software and negotiating pivotal deals—most notably the IBM-MS-DOS agreement.
Building an Empire of Interests
Allen’s post-Microsoft life was defined by audacity, exploration, and generosity. He bought the Trail Blazers in 1988 for $70 million and later acquired the Seattle Seahawks in 1997, rescuing them from a potential relocation. He became part-owner of the Seattle Sounders, helped fund SpaceShipOne (the first private spacecraft to reach space), and built Stratolaunch, the world’s largest airplane by wingspan.
Philanthropy Above All
Allen donated more than $2 billion during his lifetime to over 1,500 organizations. From climate initiatives and homelessness programs to health research and wildlife conservation, his giving was as eclectic as his interests.
A Market-Setting Sale
In the context of recent NBA sales, the Blazers are expected to command a record-setting price. Consider:
Phoenix Suns: Sold for $4 billion (2023)
Milwaukee Bucks: Minority stake sale in 2023 valued the team at $3.5 billion
Boston Celtics: Currently in talks for a record-breaking $6.1 billion sale
Key Terms
- Paul Allen
- Portland Trail Blazers
- NBA Team Sales
- Allen Family Foundation
- Philanthropy
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