Are the SuperSonics coming back to the Emerald City at last?
Seattle basketball fans may finally have reason to believe again. The NBA has taken its first formal step toward expansion, with the league’s Board of Governors unanimously approving a resolution to explore adding two new franchises—one in Seattle and another in Las Vegas. If all goes as planned, the league could grow to 32 teams, with new squads potentially debuting in the 2028–29 season.
For Seattle, the moment carries deep significance. The city has been without a team since 2008, when the Seattle SuperSonics relocated and became the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, with investment banks evaluating ownership groups and arena plans, the path toward a long-awaited return is taking shape. Industry experts anticipate franchise bids could reach between $7 billion and $10 billion, setting the stage for an intense competition among prospective owners.
The league is expected to review proposals from both Seattle and Las Vegas over the coming months, with a potential vote later this year to move forward. Approval requires support from 23 of the NBA’s 30 team governors—a high bar, but one that appears increasingly attainable as more owners recognize the financial upside of expanding into thriving markets like Seattle.
If the expansion is finalized, the impact would extend well beyond the Pacific Northwest. Adding two teams would require a league-wide realignment, with the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Memphis Grizzlies likely shifting to the Eastern Conference to maintain balance.
The story traces back to 2008, when the Sonics’ departure followed failed efforts to secure public funding for arena upgrades. After ownership changed hands, new investors were unable to reach a deal for a replacement venue, leading to the team’s move to Oklahoma City.
Now, nearly two decades later, Seattle stands on the brink of reclaiming its place in the NBA—an outcome that once seemed distant, but now feels closer than ever.