The Portland Trail Blazers may be packing their bags for Texas, and the Texas Longhorns basketball program is ready to roll out the welcome mat. With new Blazers owner Tom Dundon pushing for a state-of-the-art arena in Portland, rumors are swirling that a move to Austin could be on the table if his demands aren't met.
At the heart of Austin's pitch is the Moody Center, a world-class venue that opened in 2022 and has quickly become the crown jewel of college basketball arenas. Inspired by none other than Longhorns superfan Matthew McConaughey, this LEED Gold Certified facility seats roughly 10,000 fans for hoops and perfectly aligns with the NBA's vision for modern, culture-driven arenas. It's not just a building—it's a statement that Austin is ready for the big leagues.
Dundon, a Dallas native, reportedly has his eyes on the Lone Star State's capital as a potential relocation destination, alongside other suitors like Nashville. The Oregonian's Bill Oram noted that "the proximity of Austin to San Antonio presents a challenge, but the easy geography and access to an exploding economy may be too much for the rest of the owners to ignore." For a Texas-born owner, the chance to bring an NBA team to his home state's fastest-growing city could be too tempting to pass up.
What makes this pairing truly special is the mutual benefit. While NBA teams don't always boost their college co-tenants, Texas stands to gain major exposure as basketball fans pack the Moody Center for Blazers games and see Longhorns branding everywhere. Meanwhile, Texas's powerhouse athletics department—fueled by record-breaking NIL and revenue-sharing from the football program—would provide a massive support system for a new NBA team. It's a win-win that could redefine the sports landscape in Austin.
And it's not just the NBA knocking on Austin's door. The WNBA should also take note of this booming market. Austin has been naturally handling expansion for over a decade, and the city's vibrant, sports-hungry population is ready for professional basketball at every level.
If the Blazers do make the move, fans can dream of seeing Longhorns legend Kevin Durant courtside at the Moody Center, cheering on his hometown team. For now, all eyes are on Dundon's next move—but one thing is clear: Austin is no longer just a college town. It's a prime destination for the NBA's future.