Ciara and Wilson are the first outside investors to publicly announce their support for the effortGETTY IMAGES
Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and his wife, singer Ciara have "joined the effort to bring" MLB to Portland, as the two "have each invested individually as 'owners/investors'" in the Portland Diamond Project, according to Andrew Greif of the Portland OREGONIAN. The couple has "become the first outside investors to publicly announce their support." Each has "pledged to hold a minority ownership stake." The PDP is "estimating an opening day in Portland would come" in '22 at the earliest (OREGONLIVE.com, 6/1). Wilson said, "We're dedicated to it and making sure the city's behind it, the kids are behind it, the people are behind it. We're believers." Wilson, Ciara and PDP Founder & President Craig Cheek "took a helicopter tour of four potential stadium sites." The PDP "also includes" Managing Dirs Jason Atkinson and Mike Barrett (OREGONLIVE.com, 6/2).
TERRITORIAL DISPUTE: In Portland, John Canzano wondered if the Mariners would "really try to squash the answered prayers of Seattle's beloved starting quarterback?" With Wilson serving as the "certifiable face of the city, could the Mariners really make the distance of a three-hour drive to Portland that big of a territorial stink?" Before the Wilson and Ciara "joined the effort, the Trail Blazers might also have raised an objection to adding a competitor to the market." Would Blazers Owner Paul Allen, who also owns the Seahawks, "really try to kill the dream of Wilson and his wife?" If Allen is to "thwart the MLB to PDX effort, he'll have to tread lightly now." This was a "major development in a lot of ways for the Portland baseball effort." MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has "talked about chasing younger fans." Manfred "wants young, vibrant growing cities." He "needs cities that can make baseball part of the city centerpiece." Getting ownership like Wilson and Ciara on board "gives the whole thing legitimacy" (OREGONLIVE.com, 6/1).
