The possibility of NBA expansion has been a staple of conversation for at least the last decade. Among cities vying for a potential new team, Seattle has consistently emerged as a frontrunner. This is not surprising, given the rich history and longing desire of Seattle fans to see the return of their beloved SuperSonics. The city’s basketball history, which includes the drafting of Kevin Durant in 2007, was abruptly halted when the team was relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, becoming the Thunder.
The absence of the SuperSonics has left a significant void in the Seattle sports landscape. The NBA has periodically held preseason games in the city, a move seen by many as a nod to the passionate fan base that has never quite given up the hope of regaining their team. The league, however, has not provided a public timeline for when an official expansion announcement might be made. Rumors suggest that new teams could be added as soon as the 2027-28 season, though official cities have yet to be named for these potential franchises.
Seattle and Las Vegas in the Spotlight
Seattle isn’t the only city being considered. Las Vegas has also entered the conversation as a potential expansion destination. Both cities have strong cases; Seattle for its historical connection to the NBA and Las Vegas for its growing reputation as a sports hub. If Seattle were to regain an NBA team, there is strong speculation that the iconic SuperSonics name would make a comeback, a move that would likely be lauded by both fans and former players. Sources indicate that the Thunder would cede the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics, thereby restoring the legacy to its rightful place.
The precedent for such a move exists. The Charlotte Hornets, after undergoing a rebranding from the Bobcats in 2014, reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans, showing the NBA’s willingness to restore historical continuity where possible.
League's Priorities and Timeline
Expansion has yet to be the center of formal discussions during the annual fall Board of Governors meetings. League commissioner Adam Silver remarked that there was "not a lot of discussion" regarding expansion during the latest meeting. However, he assured that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," suggesting a deliberative yet optimistic path forward.
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. These agreements have provided the necessary foundation for the league to consider expansion in a more focused manner.
In the meantime, Seattle fans wait with bated breath, hopeful that each piece of news brings them closer to the return of their team. The Thunder did not bring any part of the Seattle SuperSonics’ historical accolades or identity to Oklahoma City, a fact that has only fueled the desire for the return of the SuperSonics name and legacy.
As the NBA continues to navigate its immediate priorities, the dream of expansion lingers in the background. Both Seattle and Las Vegas continue to prepare, each city confident in its bid to join the ranks of NBA host cities. For now, the wait continues, but the end of that wait—if rumors are to be believed—may be closer than it has been in years.