Portland Trail Blazers Ownership Group Adds Panda Restaurant Group Leaders
Portland, OR – Leaders of Panda Restaurant Group, the parent company of the popular Panda Express chain, have become shareholders in the Portland Trail Blazers, the NBA team announced today. The investment adds members of the Lin family – including co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Lin – to the Blazers’ ownership portfolio, diversifying the group led by Jody Allen, who is currently exploring options for the team’s future.
The addition of the Lin family comes as allen evaluates potential sale or strategic investment opportunities for the Trail Blazers and Rip City management, the association overseeing the team and Moda Center. The Panda Restaurant Group’s investment signifies confidence in the Blazers’ long-term viability and the Portland market. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed. This move broadens the ownership base and introduces a successful business family with deep ties to the Asian American community.
Panda Restaurant Group,founded in 1982,operates over 2,200 restaurants globally. The Lin family’s involvement reflects a growing trend of entrepreneurs and business leaders investing in professional sports franchises. The Blazers’ ownership group already includes Nike co-founder Phil Knight, who has expressed interest in leading a potential acquisition of the team. The team stated the Lin family’s investment is subject to standard NBA approval processes.
