The House Committee on Rules convened on June 16, 2025, to discuss House Concurrent Resolution 40, which recognizes the significant cultural and economic contributions of the Portland Trail Blazers to the state of Oregon. State Representative Ben Bowman, representing House District 25, introduced the resolution, emphasizing its importance despite being presented late in the legislative session.

Bowman highlighted the Trail Blazers' role in uniting Oregonians since their establishment in 1970, referencing iconic moments such as the 1977 championship and memorable plays by star player Damian Lillard. He noted that the team not only fosters community spirit but also contributes substantially to the state's economy, generating approximately $670 million in annual economic activity. This impact includes job creation, increased tourism, and support for local businesses, with over one-third of game attendees coming from outside the Portland area.

The urgency of the resolution stems from the current sale of the Trail Blazers, marking the first time in a generation that the team is up for ownership change. While Bowman expressed confidence that a move out of Oregon is unlikely, he underscored the lack of guarantees regarding the team's future location. He drew parallels to the relocation of the Seattle Supersonics to Oklahoma City in 2008, which resulted in significant economic losses for Seattle.

The resolution aims to send a bipartisan message to current and future owners, as well as the National Basketball Association, affirming the importance of the Trail Blazers to Oregon's cultural and economic landscape. Bowman concluded by reiterating the desire for the team to remain in Oregon for generations to come, highlighting the collective value the Trail Blazers bring to the state.