The possibility of NBA expansion has been a staple of conversation for at least the last decade, with enthusiastic speculation about potential new teams and locations. One of the most talked-about cities is Seattle, which lost its beloved SuperSonics in 2008 when the team was relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder. This emotional departure left a significant void in the hearts of Seattle's basketball fans, and the prospect of an NBA return has continuously fueled discussions.
Seattle’s connection to the NBA remains strong, aided by periodic preseason games held in the city. The recent performance of Kevin Durant, who was drafted by Seattle in 2007 and played his rookie season with the SuperSonics, keeps the team's memory alive for many. However, there isn't a public timeline for when the NBA might officially announce its expansion plans, leaving fans in a perpetual state of anticipation.
Rumors suggest that new teams could be added as soon as the 2027-28 season, although official cities for these prospective franchises have yet to be named. Seattle remains a frontrunner, its passionate fan base and historical significance to the league making it an ideal candidate. Las Vegas has also entered the conversation as a potential expansion destination, bringing its own unique blend of entertainment and sports enthusiasm.
Seattle's SuperSonics Legacy
If Seattle were to regain an NBA team, there is strong speculation that the iconic SuperSonics name would make a comeback. "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." This move would be a symbolic gesture to restore the legacy and identity that the SuperSonics held in the league.
The Thunder, for their part, did not bring any of the Seattle SuperSonics’ historical accolades or identity to Oklahoma City. The integrity of Seattle’s basketball history thus remains preserved, awaiting a potential revival. The NBA's handling of historical legacies, such as the Charlotte Hornets' reclamation of their history from the New Orleans Pelicans, provides a hopeful precedent.
Strategic Priorities
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 the annual fall Board of Governors meeting." However, 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 opening the door for future expansion talks.
Adam Silver assured that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," suggesting a deliberative yet optimistic path forward. As the league continues to balance various priorities, including financial and logistical considerations, the dream of a renewed NBA presence in Seattle carries on.
Seattle's dream of seeing the SuperSonics back on the court remains fervent. The enduring passion of the fans, combined with strategic opportunities on the horizon, may well bring the iconic green and gold back to the NBA. While official timelines and decisions remain in flux, the potential for expansion is a testament to the sport’s growth and enduring legacy in cities that have cultivated deep basketball traditions.