Nike Founder Phil Knight Makes Formal Offer to Purchase Trail Blazers

Photo by: Craig Mitchelldyer/AP Photo

As the expected sale of the Portland Trail Blazers inches closer, a familiar name to Pacific NW sports fans as entered the picture.

Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Nike Founder Phil Knight and Dodgers co-owner Alan Smolinisky have submitted a written offer to purchase the Trail Blazers:

Nike founder Phil Knight and Dodgers co-owner Alan Smolinisky have made a $2 billion-plus written offer to purchase the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN. Discussions are ongoing with the Paul Allen trust that's overseeing ownership of team. Story soon.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 2, 2022

Woj points out that Knight’s involvement speaks to the desire to ensure that the franchise remains in Portland:

The presence of Phil Knight in the proposed ownership group speaks to its desire to keep the Blazers in Portland and move the franchise forward there. Again, talks are ongoing on the possible purchase of the franchise. https://t.co/6rJ0Rk6AFI

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 2, 2022