The possibility of NBA expansion has been a staple of conversation for at least the last decade, and it seems closer to reality than ever. With cities clamoring for a piece of the professional basketball pie, Seattle emerges as a prominent frontrunner. The city, which lost its beloved SuperSonics in 2008 when the team was relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder, has long been yearning for a return of the NBA franchise.
Seattle’s Basketball Legacy
Seattle’s emotional tie to the SuperSonics runs deep. Fans vividly recall Kevin Durant being drafted by the SuperSonics in 2007, before the team’s abrupt move to Oklahoma City. With the NBA periodically holding preseason games in Seattle, the city’s passion for basketball remains palpable. The support for reviving the iconic SuperSonics name if a team were to return is stronger than ever. "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," sources confirmed. This move would restore Seattle’s rich basketball heritage, unearthing cherished memories for the city’s devoted fans.
Las Vegas: A Rising Contender
While Seattle’s bid for an expansion team gains momentum, Las Vegas has entered the conversation as a strong potential destination. The city’s burgeoning sports market, highlighted by the recent successes of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and the NFL’s Raiders, makes it an attractive candidate for NBA expansion. As the league explores new markets, Las Vegas’s appeal cannot be overlooked.
Timing and Future Prospects
Despite the rising excitement surrounding expansion, there isn't a public timeline for when the NBA might officially announce its plans. Rumors suggest that new teams could be added as soon as the 2027-28 season, but no official cities have been named for these prospective franchises. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has provided a glimmer of hope, remarking that although there was "not a lot of discussion" regarding expansion during the annual fall Board of Governors meeting, "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," suggesting a deliberative yet optimistic path forward.
Strategic Priorities
This cautious approach aligns with the league’s recent strategic priorities. The completion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) last summer and the finalization of a television rights deal shortly thereafter have notably streamlined the NBA's focus. Expansion was not the center of formal discussions at the Board of Governors meeting this fall, as the league concentrated on solidifying its current framework and financial stability.
Lessons from Charlotte
There is a significant precedent for how the NBA handles team relocations and history. When the Charlotte Bobcats rebranded themselves as the Charlotte Hornets in 2014, they reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans. Similarly, if Seattle regains an NBA team, the Thunder, who did not bring any part of the SuperSonics’ historical accolades or identity to Oklahoma City, would likely cede the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics. This practice respects the legacies of the cities involved and maintains the integrity of their basketball histories.
Whether it’s Seattle, Las Vegas, or another city in contention, the prospect of NBA expansion continues to capture the imagination of fans and stakeholders alike. As cities vie for the opportunity to host a new NBA franchise, the league’s measured approach ensures a thoughtful and potentially historic decision. What remains clear is that the conversation around expansion is far from over, with anticipation only set to rise as we await official announcements and tangible steps forward.