For over a decade, the prospect of NBA expansion has captivated basketball fans. This speculation is fueled by a variety of factors, including the history of the league, the popularity of certain cities, and the natural growth of the sport. Seattle, in particular, stands out as a prime candidate, having lost its beloved SuperSonics in 2008 when the team was relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder.
The Seattle Connection
Seattle's connection to the NBA runs deep. It was a significant blow to the city's sports community when the SuperSonics, featuring freshly-drafted Kevin Durant, were uprooted. Durant, who spent his rookie season in Seattle, has occasionally reflected nostalgically on his time with the team. The NBA has kept the spirit of basketball alive in Seattle by holding preseason games there, which consistently draw enthusiastic crowds.
There is no official timeline for the NBA to announce its expansion plans. However, rumors abound that new teams could be introduced as early as the 2027-28 season. This speculation is supported by the streamlined priorities following the completion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) last summer and the finalization of a television rights deal shortly thereafter. These logistical accomplishments have freed up the league to focus on potential expansion.
Potential Cities and Names
While official cities have yet to be named for these prospective franchises, Seattle remains a frontrunner. The return of the SuperSonics name is highly anticipated if Seattle is awarded a team. Sources have indicated that if a team returns to Seattle, the Thunder would cede the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics. This gesture would mirror the precedent set in 2014 when the NBA's Charlotte Hornets reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans after switching from the Bobcats to the Hornets.
In addition to Seattle, Las Vegas has also emerged as a potential destination for an NBA expansion team. The city's growing sports market and the success of other professional teams, like the NHL's Golden Knights, make it an attractive candidate. As the league explores these options, the excitement among basketball fans continues to build.
Voices of Authority
During the annual fall Board of Governors meeting, league commissioner Adam Silver downplayed the immediacy of expansion, noting there was "not a lot of discussion" on the topic. However, Silver assured fans that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," indicating a deliberative yet optimistic path forward.
Historically, the NBA has shown a willingness to adapt and grow, making expansion a natural next step. As the league navigates the complexities of adding new teams, cities like Seattle and Las Vegas will be watching closely, hoping to secure a place in the NBA's future. With the anticipation of reclaiming storied histories and establishing new legacies, the potential for expansion carries significant weight and excitement within the basketball community.
Anticipation Builds
For many, the return of the SuperSonics would not just be about basketball; it would be a restoration of pride and a rekindling of a community's passion. The possibility that the Thunder would return Seattle's history back to the SuperSonics adds even more emotional resonance to these discussions. As fans await official announcements, the buzz around NBA expansion continues to grow, promising an intriguing next chapter in the league's evolution.