The NBA expansion conversation has been ongoing for at least the last decade, with Seattle's longing for basketball renaissance standing front and center. Ever since the city's beloved SuperSonics were relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008—transforming into the Thunder—Seattle's hoop dreams have been persistent.
Seattle's Case for NBA Revival
Seattle has not been a forgotten entity in the NBA's landscape. The league has periodically held preseason games in the Emerald City, signaling the open channel between Seattle and the NBA. Echoes of this connection reverberated when Kevin Durant, who was drafted by Seattle in 2007 and spent his rookie season with the SuperSonics, expressed nostalgia for the city's storied basketball past.
However, fans remain in limbo, as there isn't a public timeline for when the NBA might officially announce its expansion plans. While the prospect of new teams entering the league has been the subject of many rumors, concrete details, including official cities for these franchises, remain undisclosed. Nonetheless, there's significant chatter that such additions could happen as early as the 2027-28 season.
Potential Frontrunners for Expansion
Seattle isn't alone in its quest for an NBA comeback. Las Vegas has emerged as a compelling candidate in the expansion conversation. However, Seattle arguably holds a sentimental edge. Should the NBA return to Seattle, there's strong speculation that the iconic SuperSonics name would once again grace the city's sports scene.
Moreover, the Thunder's existing relationship with Seattle's basketball heritage is worth noting. "Sources said if a team was to return to Seattle, the Thunder would cede the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics—just as the NBA's Charlotte Hornets reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans when Charlotte switched from being the Bobcats to the Hornets in 2014." The Thunder's identity remains distinct from the SuperSonics, as they did not carry over Seattle’s historical accolades and identity to Oklahoma City.
The Path Forward
While expansion has yet to become the centerpiece of formal discussions during the NBA's annual fall Board of Governors meeting, there is optimism. League commissioner Adam Silver noted that there was "not a lot of discussion" regarding expansion during the most recent meeting. However, he assured that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," suggesting a deliberative yet optimistic path ahead.
The NBA has had a busy agenda recently, marked by the completion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) last summer and the finalization of a television rights deal. These developments have effectively streamlined the league's priorities, potentially setting the stage for expansion talks.
Given the historical context and current momentum, Seattle remains a frontrunner in this unfolding narrative. The potential return of the SuperSonics would not only rekindle the city's deep basketball roots but also restore a cherished chapter in NBA history. For now, fans will watch and wait, hopeful that the echo of the SuperSonics’ legacy will soon reverberate through Seattle once more.