Why Tom Dundon’s Approach to NBA Ownership Sucks

Blazer's Edge writer Dave Deckard argues that Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon is harming the franchise by treating it purely as a transactional business. Deckard points to recent organizational decisions, including offering newly promoted television play-by-play broadcaster Travis Demers a provisional, game-by-game deal rather than a standard full-season contract. This move followed the acrimonious departure of long-time announcer Kevin Calabro, an unprecedented single-year contract for head coach Micah Nori, and staff layoffs.

Deckard contends that sports franchises sell community and emotional goodwill rather than a guaranteed winning product. According to Deckard, demanding that employees constantly prove their worth on short-term arrangements contradicts the loyalty-based support the franchise seeks from fans purchasing season tickets.