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The Portland Trail Blazers are officially up for sale, marking a major turning point for the franchise. The estate of the late Paul G. Allen, Microsoft co-founder and longtime owner of the team, has launched a formal process to sell the Blazers, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania. Allen's sister, Jody Allen, has overseen the franchise since his ing in 2018, but the family trust is now looking to the torch. In line with Paul Allen's wishes, all proceeds from the sale will go to charitable causes.
Financial firms Allen & Co. and Hogan Lovells have been tapped to lead the sales process, which could extend into the 2025-26 NBA season. While the timeline may be lengthy, the news has already ignited widespread speculation about who might step in as the team's next owner.
Fans call for LeBron to step in
Almost instantly after the news broke, NBA fans flooded social media with hopeful (and humorous) pleas. A recurring favorite? LeBron James. Now entering the twilight of his career, James has made no secret of his desire to own an NBA team one day. While no official word has surfaced linking him to this deal, the Blazers, an up-and-coming franchise with a strong regional identity, could be an intriguing option.
"LeBron please buy the Blazers," wrote one fan on X , echoing dozens of similar sentiments online. The move would be unprecedented, but not unthinkable. James has the resources, the brand power, and a growing business portfolio that aligns with NBA ownership ambitions.
The Phil Knight factor and what's next
While fans dream of a LeBron-led ownership group, others point to a more obvious candidate: Phil Knight. The Nike co-founder and Portland native has long been speculated as a frontrunner for the franchise. Knight previously made an offer to buy the team in 2022, but the deal never materialized. With the sale now official, the window may have reopened.
For now, the Seattle Seahawks, also owned by Allen's estate, are not up for sale, as confirmed in a separate statement. Still, with the Blazers officially on the market, the NBA is poised for a major ownership shake-up, and Portland's future could look very different in the years to come.