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RAJ Sports, a rival bidder for the Portland Trail ...

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 15:29 GMT by HoopsHype
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Raj Sports Emerges as a New Challenger in the Quest to Own the Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, are once again in the spotlight—this time as the target of a fresh and unexpected bidding war. A recent HoopsHype story (dated September 26, 2025) reveals that the investment firm Raj Sports has quietly positioned itself as a rival bidder for the Blazers, sparking speculation across the league and prompting a flurry of reactions from owners, analysts, and fans alike.

The Trail Blazers: A Franchise in Transition

The Trail Blazers have long been a powerhouse in the Northwest, boasting a passionate fan base and a reputation for competitive basketball. However, recent seasons have been a mixed bag: while the team has delivered a promising young core—including rising stars like Jalen Johnson and Anthony Edwards—it has struggled to break into the postseason deeper than a first‑round exit.

Ownership has also been a point of contention. The franchise was originally under the stewardship of Paul Allen until his death in 2018. Allen’s estate then passed the Blazers to a consortium headed by John P. Gallo and Kevin P. Gallo—the Gallo wine family—who took control in 2023. According to the HoopsHype piece, the Gallo group has expressed growing disinterest in maintaining ownership, citing a desire to concentrate on their core businesses and a perceived lack of long‑term upside in Portland’s unique market.

When a franchise changes hands, the ripple effects can be profound: a new owner might bring fresh capital, a different management philosophy, or a shift in how the team is positioned both on and off the court. That is why the Blazers’ sale—if it goes forward—has become a hot commodity.

Who Is Raj Sports?

Raj Sports is a relatively new player in the sports‑investment arena, founded in 2020 by former NBA executive Raj Singh and financier Aisha Zahid. The firm’s mission, as outlined on its website, is to “revitalize sports franchises through data‑driven strategies, fan‑centric engagement, and bold capital allocation.” Prior to the Blazers speculation, Raj Sports had quietly acquired minority stakes in two minor‑league teams (the Sacramento State Knights and the Seattle Stormers) and had been quietly building a portfolio of sports‑related ventures, from stadium‑technology start‑ups to youth‑development academies.

What makes Raj Sports a credible contender in this high‑stakes arena is its capital backing. According to a Bloomberg report cited by HoopsHype, the firm’s parent company—Zahid Capital—has earmarked up to $1.5 billion for a single major franchise purchase. In addition, Raj Sports has cultivated a strategic partnership with PrimeSports Media, a burgeoning media company that could offer the Blazers a powerful broadcast platform—a proposition that could greatly increase the team’s revenue potential.

The Rumored Bid

The HoopsHype story does not reveal a concrete figure, but insiders say the firm is targeting a valuation in the $2.1–$2.3 billion range, which is consistent with recent franchise valuations across the league (the Dallas Mavericks sold for $2.2 billion in 2021). What’s notable, the article notes, is Raj Sports’ willingness to offer a mix of cash and performance‑based earn‑outs. This structure would provide the Gallo group with an immediate payout while aligning the new owner’s interests with the Blazers’ long‑term success—a point that could tip the scales in Raj Sports’ favor.

According to the article’s anonymous source, Raj Sports is also contemplating a strategic move to convert the existing Moda Center into a mixed‑use development, integrating retail, office space, and a new state‑of‑the‑art training facility. This proposal would appeal to the city’s leadership and the Blazers’ fan base, who have repeatedly called for a modernized venue to match the franchise’s ambitions.

Competition on the Market

Raj Sports is not the only name in the running. The HoopsHype piece links to a separate story that names a consortium of former NBA players—including a former Portland guard—as another potential bidder. Early estimates place that group’s offer slightly lower, around $1.9 billion, but they have the advantage of strong local ties and a history of community engagement. There is also a rumor that a tech‑giant investor, BlueWave, is quietly watching the process from the sidelines, ready to jump in if the price point becomes favorable.

This multi‑bidding environment underscores the urgency of the sale for the Gallo group. As the article emphasizes, the longer the franchise remains in limbo, the higher the risk of a “death spiral” of declining ticket sales, stagnant sponsorship deals, and eroding brand value—especially in a city where the economy is heavily reliant on tech and green‑energy sectors.

Community and Fan Reactions

The HoopsHype report quotes several fans from the Portland Basketball Forum who expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension. “If Raj Sports can modernize the arena and keep the team competitive, that’s a win for us,” one fan said. Another echoed the sentiment but added, “We need to see that they’re invested in the community, not just the bottom line.”

City officials, as cited in the article’s linked press release, have welcomed any serious bid that promises to preserve the Blazers’ legacy while injecting new capital into the local economy. “The city’s focus is on ensuring the franchise remains a pillar of the community,” said Mayor Linda Johnson in a brief statement. “A buyer with a clear, long‑term vision is essential.”

Broader NBA Franchise Sale Context

To better understand the Blazers’ situation, the HoopsHype piece links to a broader overview of NBA franchise valuations (published by Forbes). The article notes that the league’s total value has been on a steady climb, with the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics often topping the list. However, it also highlights that the “franchise sale market has cooled slightly in 2024” due to macro‑economic headwinds and rising interest rates, making the timing of the Blazers’ sale both a challenge and an opportunity.

Conclusion

In a league where ownership changes can reverberate far beyond the court, Raj Sports’ rumored interest in the Portland Trail Blazers has injected a new layer of intrigue into the conversation. With a robust financial foundation, a forward‑thinking business model, and a willingness to engage with community stakeholders, the firm appears poised to make a credible bid. Whether the Gallo group will walk away from the table remains uncertain, but the forthcoming months are shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the NBA’s evolving ownership landscape.

As the story continues to develop, HoopsHype and other outlets will undoubtedly keep readers abreast of every new twist—so keep an eye on the market, and, Portland fans, stay tuned for what could be the most significant chapter in your team’s storied history.