The conversation surrounding NBA expansion has been a persistent topic for at least the past decade. Among the cities often mentioned, Seattle stands out, fueled by a deep-seated love for basketball that has yet to wane since losing the SuperSonics back in 2008. The team’s relocation to Oklahoma City, where they were rebranded as the Thunder, left a void that many believe only a return of the SuperSonics could fill.
The Pull of Nostalgia
In the years since the SuperSonics' departure, the NBA has periodically held preseason games in Seattle, a nod to the city’s rich basketball heritage. The drafting of Kevin Durant by Seattle in 2007, where he spent his rookie season, adds to the legacy and lore of bringing an NBA team back to the Emerald City. Fans, players, and analysts alike speculate on the possibility, maintaining Seattle as a frontrunner in the conversation of NBA expansion.
While there is no public timeline for when the NBA might officially announce its expansion plans, rumors suggest that new teams could potentially be added by the 2027-28 season. Official cities for these prospective franchises remain unnamed, yet Seattle’s odds seem promising. Las Vegas has also emerged as a significant contender, given its rapid growth as a sports hub.
The Identity Conundrum
One of the key points of speculation is the prospect of the SuperSonics name making a comeback if Seattle secures a new team. The notion is rooted in historical precedent. According to sources, "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 return of the SuperSonics’ identity to Seattle would certainly provide a sentimental boost alongside the practical business of bringing a team back to the city.
Interestingly, when the Charlotte Bobcats rebranded themselves as the Charlotte Hornets in 2014, they successfully reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans. This precedent could pave a clear path for Seattle to resurrect the SuperSonics and their iconic history, breathing new life into the city’s basketball narrative.
Administrative Silence and the Path Forward
Despite the fervent speculation and clear public interest, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has downplayed the immediacy of expansion plans. He recently noted that there was "not a lot of discussion" regarding expansion during the annual fall Board of Governors meeting. However, Silver simultaneously assured that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," hinting at a cautiously optimistic path towards expansion discussions.
The administrative focus over recent years has been directed toward solidifying foundational aspects of the league. The completion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) last summer and the finalization of a television rights deal shortly thereafter have sharpened the league’s priorities, potentially clearing the way for future expansion deliberations.
Seattle’s Hope and Las Vegas’s Ambition
As fans in Seattle remained hopeful, Las Vegas has actively entered the debate as another potential expansion destination. The city's burgeoning sports landscape, having already welcomed the NHL's Golden Knights and the NFL's Raiders, showcases its capacity to support an NBA franchise. The addition of an NBA team would further bolster Las Vegas’s growing reputation as a major sports city.
Ultimately, while the timeline remains uncertain and the official discussions are yet to take place, the persistent chatter and the enduring enthusiasm of cities like Seattle and Las Vegas underline a vibrant future for the NBA. The eventual announcement of expansion plans will mark not just a business decision but the rekindling of legacies and the creation of new sporting traditions. A return of the SuperSonics, and the possible emergence of a Las Vegas franchise, would both be monumental events in the annals of the NBA’s storied history.