Legal Battle Emerges Over Portland Trail Blazers’ Ownership Sale

WILMINGTON, Delaware — A legal dispute has arisen over the prospective sale of the Portland Trail Blazers, with RAJ Sports filing a lawsuit against the Cherng family on September 24, 2025.

RAJ Sports, led by siblings Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, has sued Andrew and Peggy Cherng, who are poised to acquire a minority stake in the team. The lawsuit, filed in Delaware, aims to block the Cherngs from participating in the sale under claims of breaching an exclusivity agreement established on July 24, 2025.

The complaint, which remains under seal, includes a proposed court order that would prohibit the Cherngs from engaging in any agreements related to the Blazers or their assets. The Cherngs are part of an investor group led by Tom Dundon, the owner of the Carolina Hurricanes, who is purchasing the team from the late Paul Allen’s estate for $4.25 billion.

According to RAJ Sports, the lawsuit seeks to prevent the Cherngs from circumventing their claim to the team, which they allege could undermine their financial interests in the Trail Blazers franchise.

RAJ Sports has also requested a restraining order and expedited proceedings. The case has attracted attention due to both the Cherngs’ ownership of Panda Express and the Bhathals’ deep ties to Portland, where they own WNBA’s Portland Fire and NWSL’s Thorns.

Despite reaching out, representatives for both the Trail Blazers and the Paul Allen estate have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the lawsuit.

RAJ Sports declined to comment on ongoing litigation.