For more than a decade, the possibility of NBA expansion has lingered at the edges of conversations within the league. The fervor surrounding the potential return of a Seattle team has refused to wane, even as league officials maintain a deliberate pace when addressing the topic.
Seattle's Longing for a Team
Seattle’s basketball history includes the iconic SuperSonics, who were relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City, becoming the Thunder. Seattle has since experienced a void that only a reinstated NBA team could fill. Preseason games held in Seattle have acted as a reminder of the city's rich basketball heritage and its longing for a return to the league.
Notably, future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant was drafted by Seattle in 2007, spending his rookie season with the SuperSonics before the relocation. The legacy of that team and the affection for it remain palpable among the city's basketball fans.
The Path to Expansion
Despite persistent speculation, an official timeline for the NBA's expansion remains elusive. Rumors suggest that new teams could be added as early as the 2027-28 season, although there have been no formal announcements regarding potential cities for these franchises.
However, Seattle is viewed as a frontrunner, bolstered by its passionate fan base and history with the SuperSonics. Las Vegas, with its growing sports market and recent success with the NHL’s Golden Knights, has also emerged as a strong contender for an expansion team.
Restoring a Legacy
In a sentimental nod to history, sources indicate that if a team were to return to Seattle, the Thunder would cede the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics. This scenario closely mirrors the NBA’s previous actions when the Charlotte Bobcats rebranded as the Charlotte Hornets in 2014, reclaiming the Charlotte-era history from the New Orleans Pelicans.
The preservation and restoration of the SuperSonics' identity would undoubtedly add to the allure and spirit of a new Seattle team, rekindling the legacy that the city holds dear.
Current Standing and Future Prospects
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has been measured in his comments about expansion. At the fall Board of Governors meeting, Silver remarked that there was "not a lot of discussion" on the topic. However, he also conveyed a sense of optimism, noting that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season." This statement provides a glimmer of hope that the matter will gain traction in the near future.
The NBA has gone through significant administrative processes recently, including the completion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the finalization of a television rights deal. With these priorities handled, the league may now be better positioned to explore expansion more thoroughly.
The desire for NBA expansion, particularly with Seattle as a focal point, remains a compelling narrative in the world of professional basketball. While formal discussions have not yet taken center stage, and a clear timeline has not been disclosed, the mix of fan passion and historical reverence ensures that the conversation is far from over.
As the league’s decision-makers prepare to address the issue, the prospect of seeing the green and gold of the SuperSonics on the court once more captivates the imagination of basketball enthusiasts, promising an intriguing chapter in the NBA’s storied history.