Despite a "reconfigured line-up" on the court this season, the Trail Blazers' front office "feels comfortable with how its season-ticket holders reacted to the wholesale change," according to Allan Brettman of the Portland OREGONIAN. The Blazers' season began last night with a 97% renewal rate, "which is better" than last year's 95% and fifth among NBA teams. Blazers President & CEO Chris McGowan said that the increase is "due in large part to the longstanding loyalty of the fan base." But Brettman noted the team's ticket sales and service staff "made plenty of phone calls to reassure customers about why star players would not be returning this season and where the team was headed." McGowan said, "By far, I've had more positive conversations than negative conversations. I get stopped by fans who are more excited about what they will see next season." McGowan found himself "on the phone up to two times a day for a couple of months this summer attempting to convince a customer to either renew their season tickets or resist the temptation to seek a cancellation of a renewal that took place before the player personnel decisions had transpired." Meanwhile, Brettman noted Moda Health, which has the naming rights for the Blazers' arena, "has reportedly encountered severe financial headwinds linked to the Affordable Care Act." McGowan said, "We remain confident in our partnership. ... They've given us a heads-up this is going on." Brettman also noted the team's TV contract with CSN Northwest expires after next season, and team officials "have been disappointed in the number of Blazers fans in Oregon who haven't been able to watch games." But CSNNW VP & GM Larry Eldridge in an email wrote that the RSN would "seek a renewal of its deal early next year" (Portland OREGONIAN, 10/28).
