Breaking news: According to new reports, the much-debated NHL owner is looking to sell his club, with the intention of moving into NBA ownership

A new report from Carolina Hurricanes insider Mike Ozanian claims that team owner Tom Dundon is preparing to step back from the NHL franchise — at least in part — so he can buy into the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. According to Ozanian, Dundon is close to offloading a major portion of the Hurricanes, with the franchise now valued at over $2 billion, and intends to purchase the Trail Blazers for around $4 billion.

It’s remarkable how much NHL team valuations have soared. A decade ago, the average franchise was worth about $500 million, and Carolina sat at just $225 million. Now, their value has multiplied nearly tenfold. Dundon originally bought the Hurricanes in 2017 for $420 million, making this prospective sale a massive financial leap.

During his eight years at the helm, Dundon has been both effective and occasionally polarizing. He’s never hesitated to make bold roster moves or invest heavily in players he believes fit the team’s identity. At the same time, he’s perfectly willing to walk away if contract demands get excessive. Many fans feel he’s built a culture that prioritizes the team over individual stars — a philosophy that may have resulted in losing some talented players, but also helped shape a consistently competitive roster.

Importantly, Dundon’s approach isn’t about avoiding big spending; it’s about spending strategically and on his own terms. While he may have stirred some controversy early in his tenure, there’s no denying that he has turned the Hurricanes into a regular playoff contender while strengthening the organization financially.

What happens next for the Hurricanes will be one of the NHL’s biggest storylines, as the franchise prepares for a potential new era of ownership.