Original Blazers Owner Larry Weinberg Passes Away

The first ever Portland Trail Blazers team owner, Larry Weinberg, has passed away aged 92. Per his family members, he passed away in his Los Angeles home.

The city of Portland has Larry Weinberg to thank for bringing and NBA franchise to the city in 1970. He, along with Founding President Harry Glickman, Herman Sarkowsky and Robert Schmertz led the group that pushed for an expansion.

Weinberg earned his personal wealth in the real estate market and became Trail Blazers majority owner in 1975.

He was team president in 1977 when the Portland Trail Blazers won the NBA Championship.

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Weinberg sold the franchise to Paul Allen, who passed away last year, for $70 million in 1998.

“Under Larry’s ownership, the Portland Trail Blazers became the best franchise in the NBA,” said Glickman.  

“Larry was a Blazer booster all his life and appeared at many playoff games even after he sold the club.  He was a fine gentleman. Personally, I worked with him closely and we became good friends, as well as owner and employee.  Joanne and I extend our condolences to his wonderful family.”

Weinberg remained fond of the Portland Trail Blazers long after his formal association with the club ended. In January 17, he joined the Blazers’ celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the 1977 NBA championship.

He also appeared on local Portland radio eulogizing the late owner Paul Allen following his passing.

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Trail Blazers founding broadcaster Bill Schonely said, “Larry was truly a bright spot for our franchise, a gentleman’s gentleman as an owner and team executive.

“Whenever he was in the office, he made a special effort to always visit with employees.  Larry was good to the Trail Blazers players and coaches, and someone we all admired.”