Portland Officials Use Monumental Code Name for Trail Blazers Arena Project

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Portland city officials have been using a confidential code name to refer to a major public financing deal they believe is essential to keeping the Trail Blazers basketball team from leaving the city. Records show the city has closely guarded details of the towering financial agreement, which has been discussed under the monumental code name.

Why it matters

The potential loss of the Trail Blazers, one of Portland's most prominent professional sports franchises, would be a major blow to the city's identity and economy. City leaders appear to view the undisclosed financing deal as crucial to retaining the team, though the specifics remain tightly under wraps.

The details

According to records obtained by The Oregonian, Portland officials have been using the code name 'Project Monolith' when discussing the high-stakes financial agreement related to the Trail Blazers' arena. The city has kept tight control over information about the deal, which is believed to involve significant public funding to help the team's ownership group finance renovations or a potential new stadium.

• Portland officials began using the 'Project Monolith' code name in late 2025.

What’s next

The city is expected to provide more details on the 'Project Monolith' financing deal in the coming months as negotiations continue with the Trail Blazers.