The topic of NBA expansion has been a staple of conversation within the league for at least the last decade. Central to this dialogue is the city of Seattle, which lost its beloved SuperSonics in 2008 when the team was relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder. While a public timeline for the NBA's expansion plans remains elusive, several factors suggest that Seattle is poised for a resurgence as an NBA city.
Seattle's NFL Footprint
Seattle has never been far from the minds of NBA enthusiasts. Since its departure, the league has periodically held preseason games in the city, keeping the flame alive for the basketball community. The SuperSonics remain a nostalgic touchstone for fans, especially those who remember Kevin Durant’s selection as the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft. Durant spent his rookie season with the SuperSonics before the franchise moved to Oklahoma City. His brief but impactful tenure in Seattle exemplifies what the city brings to the NBA: passionate sports fans and a rich basketball tradition.
Expansion Rumors and Timelines
Although the league has not officially announced expansion plans, rumors continue to circulate 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 remains a frontrunner. Las Vegas has also emerged as a potential expansion destination, adding another layer of intrigue to the discussion.
The Return of the SuperSonics
If Seattle were to regain an NBA team, there is strong speculation that the iconic SuperSonics name would make a comeback. This is further compounded by "sources [who] 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."
Navigating Historical Accolades
The precedent for reclaiming historical accolades and identity within the NBA isn't new. When the Charlotte Bobcats rebranded themselves as the Charlotte Hornets in 2014, they reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans. Similarly, the Thunder did not bring any part of the Seattle SuperSonics' historical accolades or identity to Oklahoma City. This clear historical demarcation supports the likelihood that a revived Seattle team would also reclaim its former glories should the team be restored.
League Priorities and Governance
Expansion has not yet been the center of formal discussions during the annual fall Board of Governors meeting. According to league commissioner Adam Silver, there was "not a lot of discussion" regarding expansion during this year's meeting. However, Silver did assure 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 finalization of a television rights deal shortly thereafter have streamlined the league's priorities, potentially paving the way for future growth.
As the pieces begin to align, the anticipation for NBA expansion grows. Seattle remains at the forefront of these conversations, buoyed by a strong fan base eager for the return of the SuperSonics. While the league remains cautious in its approach, the groundwork is being laid for a future that revisits its storied past and brings new excitement to cities yearning for basketball glory.