The discussion surrounding potential NBA expansion has been a consistent topic for over a decade. Seattle, having lost its SuperSonics in 2008 to relocation and rebranding as the Oklahoma City Thunder, remains at the forefront of these conversations. The city’s rich basketball history has kept it in serious contention for a new franchise should the league decide to expand.
Holding onto a deep connection with the league, Seattle has hosted periodic NBA preseason games, a constant reminder of its clamoring for the return of professional basketball. Notably, Kevin Durant was drafted by Seattle in 2007 and played his rookie season with the SuperSonics, further cementing the city’s place in the NBA’s narrative.
Expansion Timeline and Speculation
Despite the fervor and speculation, there is no public timeline for when the NBA might officially announce its expansion plans. Rumors, however, suggest that new teams could emerge as soon as the 2027-28 season. Until official cities are named for prospective franchises, enthusiasm mixes with speculation regarding which destinations will make the cut.
Seattle remains a frontrunner, with strong indications that if the NBA were to return, the iconic SuperSonics name would be revived. It’s also worth noting that the Thunder would cede the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics. This would mirror the NBA's decision in 2014, when the Charlotte Bobcats rebranded as the Charlotte Hornets and reclaimed the historical records and identity of the original Charlotte Hornets, now the New Orleans Pelicans.
Las Vegas has emerged as another serious contender for NBA expansion. The city’s recent foray into professional sports with the NHL’s Golden Knights and the NFL’s Raiders has demonstrated its viability as a sports hub. An expansion to Las Vegas would reinforce this burgeoning identity.
League and Board Discussions
Though expanding the league has yet to become the centerpiece of formal discussions during the annual fall Board of Governors meeting, it's clear the topic isn't far from the minds of those in NBA leadership. League Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged recently that there was "not a lot of discussion" about expansion during the latest meeting, but emphasized that “expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season,” suggesting a measured yet optimistic approach to the issue.
Strategic Priorities
Adding a layer of complexity to the situation, the NBA recently completed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) last summer, which paired with the finalization of a television rights deal, has focused the league's priorities. The completion of these significant agreements has paved the way for the league to potentially redirect its attention to expansion opportunities.
As the NBA looks to align its future, the passion of Seattle fans serves as a compelling argument for bringing back the SuperSonics. The legacy the team left behind includes a fervent fan base and a storied history the Thunder didn’t take with them to Oklahoma City. Much like the Hornets' history was rightfully reverted to Charlotte, the rightful place for the SuperSonics’ legacy remains with Seattle.
While an official announcement regarding NBA expansion remains on the horizon, the dialogue is more vibrant than ever. Both Seattle and Las Vegas stand out as prime candidates, bringing unique and valuable markets to the table. As the league continues to assess its future, fans will be eagerly watching for any signs that professional basketball might soon return to the Emerald City or find a new home in the desert lights of Las Vegas.