The possibility of NBA expansion has been a staple of conversation for at least the last decade. As the league continues to grow in popularity and financial prowess, the idea of adding more teams has naturally gained traction. One of the cities most often mentioned in these discussions is Seattle, which lost its beloved SuperSonics in 2008 when the team was relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder.
Seattle has not been entirely removed from the basketball spotlight. The NBA has periodically held preseason games in the city, maintaining a connection with its loyal fanbase. Kevin Durant, one of today's premier NBA talents, was drafted by Seattle in 2007 and spent his rookie season with the SuperSonics before their abrupt move to Oklahoma City.
Uncertain Timeline, High Hopes
While there isn't a public timeline for when the NBA might officially announce its expansion plans, rumors abound that new teams could be added as soon as the 2027-28 season. Despite persistent speculation, official cities have yet to be named for these prospective franchises. Seattle, however, remains a frontrunner thanks to its rich basketball history and demonstrated appetite for the game. Las Vegas has also entered the conversation as a potential expansion destination, further amplifying the excitement surrounding new teams.
If Seattle were to regain an NBA team, there is strong speculation that the iconic SuperSonics name would make a comeback. "Sources said 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 move would undoubtedly thrill long-time fans who have never quite let go of their Seattle SuperSonics pride.
Planning and Prioritization
Although expansion is clearly on the minds of NBA leadership, it has not yet been the center of formal discussions. League commissioner Adam Silver recently remarked that there was "not a lot of discussion" regarding expansion during the annual fall Board of Governors meeting. However, Silver assured that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," suggesting a deliberative yet optimistic path forward.
The groundwork for an expansion appears to be forming. 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 significant milestones cleared the deck for what many believe could be the NBA's No. 1 focus over the next couple of years: expanding its reach by adding new teams.
Historical Considerations
In relocating to Oklahoma City, the Thunder did not bring any part of the Seattle SuperSonics’ historical accolades or identity with them. The franchise does not commemorate or celebrate the SuperSonics' history in any current form. Should a new Seattle team emerge, it would likely invigorate fans and return a sense of basketball legacy to the city.
On the topic of reclaiming history, the NBA does have a precedent. When the Charlotte Bobcats rebranded themselves as the Charlotte Hornets in 2014, they reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans. This decision underscores a willingness within the league to honor the historical and cultural significance that certain team identities hold for their cities.
With Adam Silver leading a methodical yet forward-looking approach, the NBA's potential expansion points to a promising future for cities like Seattle and Las Vegas, eager to embrace or re-embrace professional basketball. In the meantime, speculation will continue to build, and supporters will anxiously await concrete developments on this engaging and evolving story.