For over a decade, the possibility of NBA expansion has been a frequent topic of conversation among basketball enthusiasts and league executives. Recently, this discussion has gained new momentum, thrusting cities like Seattle and Las Vegas into the limelight as potential destinations for new franchises.
Seattle's Longing for NBA Return
Seattle's passionate basketball community has been advocating for the return of the SuperSonics ever since the team was relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 and rebranded as the Thunder. The city's longing for their team has not gone unnoticed by the NBA, especially as they have periodically hosted preseason games in Seattle, allowing fans brief glimpses of top-tier basketball.
Adding to the city's anguish is the fact that Kevin Durant, one of the NBA's biggest stars, was drafted by Seattle in 2007 and played his rookie season with the SuperSonics. The association of such a marquee player with Seattle has kept the hope of an NBA return alive for many fans.
Speculations and Rumors
Although there is no public timeline for when the NBA might officially announce its expansion plans, rumors have been circulating about the addition of new teams as soon as the 2027-28 season. Official cities for these prospective franchises have yet to be named, but insiders suggest that Seattle remains a frontrunner.
If Seattle were to regain an NBA team, there is strong speculation that the iconic SuperSonics name would make a comeback. As per 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."
Another city that has entered the conversation as a potential expansion destination is Las Vegas. Known for its vibrant entertainment scene, Las Vegas seems poised to embrace an NBA team, adding yet another attraction to its already bustling array of activities.
NBA's Stance on Expansion
Despite the prevailing excitement and speculation, expansion has not yet been the focus of formal discussions during the NBA's annual fall Board of Governors meeting. League commissioner Adam Silver recently remarked that there was "not a lot of discussion" regarding expansion during this meeting. However, Silver assured that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," suggesting a measured yet optimistic path forward for expansion enthusiasts.
Past Instances of Franchise History Transfer
The hypothetical scenario of the Thunder ceding Seattle's history back to the SuperSonics aligns with the NBA's precedent. The Charlotte Hornets reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans when Charlotte rebranded itself from the Bobcats to the Hornets in 2014. Similarly, the Thunder did not bring any part of the Seattle SuperSonics' historical accolades or identity to Oklahoma City, preserving the possibility of this historical legacy being restored to Seattle if an NBA team returns.
Streamlined Priorities
In recent times, the NBA has focused on finalizing a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) last summer and securing a television rights deal shortly thereafter. These developments have streamlined the league's priorities, potentially paving the way for expansion as a future focal point.
Tentative Optimism
While enthusiasts and long-time supporters of Seattle basketball eagerly await an official announcement, the rumors and subtle indicators offer a beacon of hope. If an expansion indeed materializes, it would not only mark the comeback of the beloved SuperSonics but also rekindle the city's storied basketball tradition.
As the League prepares to address expansion more formally, the speculation surrounding Seattle and other potential cities continues to build. With Las Vegas joining the conversation, the narrative of NBA expansion promises to bring fresh excitement and possibilities in the coming years.