The possibility of the NBA's expansion has been a topic of fervent conversation for at least the last decade, and the prospects of such an expansion bring an air of anticipation and hope for fans, particularly in Seattle. As the city that lost its beloved SuperSonics in 2008 when the team was relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder, Seattle remains a frontrunner for hosting a new franchise if and when the league decides to expand.
Seattle's Persistence and Preseason Games
Seattle has never truly fallen off the NBA map. The league has periodically held preseason games in Seattle, maintaining a palpable basketball presence in the city. Kevin Durant, drafted by Seattle in 2007, spent his rookie season with the SuperSonics, adding to Seattle's rich basketball history. For many fans, seeing Durant play for the SuperSonics albeit briefly, keeps the nostalgia alive.
Potential Expansion Cities
While there is no public timeline for when the NBA might officially announce its expansion plans, rumors suggest that new teams could be added as soon as the 2027-28 season. Official cities for these prospective franchises have yet to be named, but Seattle and Las Vegas have emerged as primary contenders. The burgeoning sports market in Las Vegas and its recent success in attracting professional sports franchises make it a compelling candidate alongside Seattle.
The SuperSonics Legacy
If Seattle were to regain an NBA team, there is strong speculation that the iconic SuperSonics name would make a comeback. Sources indicate that if a team returns to Seattle, the Thunder would cede the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics. "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," sources confirmed.
This precedent echoes the league's earlier decision to allow the Charlotte Bobcats, upon rebranding themselves as the Charlotte Hornets in 2014, to reclaim the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans. Such moves maintain historical continuity and respect the legacy of long-standing basketball traditions.
Current League Dynamics
Despite the growing excitement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted there was "not a lot of discussion" regarding expansion during the annual fall Board of Governors meeting. Nonetheless, Silver assured fans and stakeholders alike that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," suggesting a deliberative yet optimistic path forward.
The completion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) last summer and the subsequent finalization of a television rights deal have indeed streamlined the league's priorities. This recalibration of focus might now afford the NBA the bandwidth to seriously explore expansion opportunities with Seattle and other potential markets.
Anticipation and Speculation
In the meantime, Seattle's anticipation for a potential NBA return remains robust. The city retains a fervent basketball culture and a passionate fan base eager to see the return of their team. The Thunder's legacy in Oklahoma City continues separately, without any of the SuperSonics' historical accolades or identity, making the prospective revival of the SuperSonics an even more poignant possibility.
As the NBA navigates the complexities of expansion and considers which cities might best serve its future goals, Seattle and Las Vegas stand poised as the most discussed candidates. Whether the SuperSonics rise again or Las Vegas makes its debut in the NBA, fans across the country will be watching closely, eager for the next chapter in the league's storied history. For now, the city of Seattle waits with bated breath, hopeful for a return to the league and a revival of the cherished SuperSonics name.