The Portland Trail Blazers have reportedly laid off approximately 70 business-side employees as part of extensive cost-cutting measures initiated by new owner Tom Dundon.
What happened
On Tuesday, the Portland Trail Blazers reportedly laid off around 70 business-side employees. This action is part of a broader pattern of cost-cutting under the team's new owner, Tom Dundon, who acquired the team in March 2026.
How many employees affected
Approximately 70 business-side employees were affected by the layoffs. Some of those impacted had been with the team for decades, including insider Casey Holdahl, who started in 2007.
Why layoffs happened
The layoffs are attributed to new owner Tom Dundon's cost-cutting initiatives. Since purchasing the team, Dundon has reportedly implemented several measures, including refusing to allow two-way players to travel for the postseason, canceling free playoff T-shirts for fans, cutting one of the team's mascots, and offering prospective head coaches salaries below NBA norms.
Company background
The Portland Trail Blazers are a professional basketball team in the NBA. Tom Dundon purchased the team from the estate of Paul Allen in March 2026. Dundon is also known for his ownership of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.
Industry impact
Layoffs in professional sports are not a frequent occurrence. The Trail Blazers' actions follow similar business staff layoffs by the Timberwolves after their acquisition by Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore.
What's next
Dundon's cost-cutting methods have generated skepticism within the NBA community. While he has built a successful hockey team with the Carolina Hurricanes, his approach to the Trail Blazers is under scrutiny, with expectations that these cost-cutting trends may continue.