The conversation around the NBA's potential expansion has lingered for at least the last decade. This has particularly resonated in Seattle, a city still mourning the loss of its SuperSonics in 2008 when the team was relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder. The pain of losing the Sonics remains fresh for many, as the community rallies behind the idea of bringing NBA basketball back to the Emerald City.
A Long Wait
Since the relocation, the NBA has maintained a connection with Seattle through periodic preseason games, keeping the dream alive for fans. The SuperSonics' lore is not just a piece of Seattle's history but an integral part of its sports heritage. It's worth noting that Kevin Durant, one of the game's brightest stars, was drafted by Seattle in 2007 and spent his rookie season with the SuperSonics. This connection to a player of Durant's caliber adds weight to the sentimental value Seattle holds within the league.
Despite the evident enthusiasm from fans and the city's rich basketball history, there isn’t a public timeline for the NBA to announce official expansion plans. The league has other pressing matters, like finalizing a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) last summer and securing a television rights deal. However, optimism surrounding expansion abounds, with rumors suggesting that new teams could be added as soon as the 2027-28 season.
Key Contenders
Official cities for these prospective franchises have yet to be named, but Seattle remains a frontrunner. Las Vegas has also emerged as a notable contender in the expansion discussion. If Seattle were to regain an NBA team, strong speculation suggests the iconic SuperSonics name would return, accompanied by the city's rich basketball legacy. "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," as one source pointed out.
Indeed, the precedent has been set. The Thunder did not carry any part of the SuperSonics' historical identity to Oklahoma City. Instead, the records and accolades remained dormant, waiting for a potential revival. This mirrors the situation with Charlotte, where the history returned to the Hornets when the Bobcats rebranded, thereby renewing the city’s legacy.
Official Hints and Speculations
While formal discussions around expansion were not the focus of the recent annual fall Board of Governors meeting, the topic is slated for future consideration. League commissioner Adam Silver remarked there was "not a lot of discussion" during the meeting yet emphasized that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," suggesting a deliberate yet hopeful trajectory.
The appetite for adding new franchises is clearly there, fueled by a mixture of nostalgia, market potential, and the NBA's strategic growth objectives. Las Vegas, with its booming sports scene, adds an intriguing element to the expansion narrative. The recent success of the NHL's Golden Knights and the NFL's Raiders has made Vegas a hotbed for professional sports, positioning it as a strong candidate alongside Seattle.
For Seattle, the return of the SuperSonics would be more than just a restoration of its NBA presence. It would symbolize the rectification of a historical grievance and the rekindling of a passionate fan base eager to support their team. The potential revival of the Sonics name would tie the city's rich basketball culture back into the broader tapestry of the league, enhancing the NBA's historical continuity.
In the months ahead, eyes will be on the league's decision-makers as they navigate the complexities of expansion. Whether it's rekindling old flames in Seattle or igniting new passions in Las Vegas, the NBA's course will undeniably stir excitement and anticipation among basketball fans worldwide.