The possibility of NBA expansion has been a staple of conversation for at least the last decade. Fans, particularly those in Seattle, have been waiting with bated breath for a return of their beloved SuperSonics. The team, which was relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 and rebranded as the Thunder, left a void in the city.
One glimmer of hope for Seattle fans has been the league’s occasional decision to hold preseason games in the city. These games have provided reminders of the rich basketball history the city boasts, including the drafting of Kevin Durant by the SuperSonics in 2007. Durant, now an NBA superstar, spent his rookie season with Seattle, cementing his place in the hearts of many Seattleites.
Current Discussions and Rumors
Though there isn't a public timeline for when the NBA might officially announce its expansion plans, rumors suggest that new teams could be added as soon as the 2027-28 season. As of now, official cities for these prospective franchises have yet to be named, but Seattle remains a frontrunner. Las Vegas has also entered the conversation as a potential expansion destination.
If Seattle were to regain an NBA team, speculation is strong that the iconic SuperSonics name would make a comeback. According to sources, if a team was to return to Seattle, the Thunder would cede the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics. This practice is not unprecedented in the NBA. For instance, the Charlotte Hornets reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans when Charlotte switched from being the Bobcats to the Hornets in 2014.
Board of Governors and Future Deliberations
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has provided some insights into the league’s stance on expansion. He 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 for the league.
While expansion has not yet been the center of formal discussions during these meetings, it remains a priority for the league's future. 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, potentially paving the way for expansion considerations to rise to the forefront.
Historical Context and Fans’ Hopes
It’s worth noting that the Thunder did not bring any part of the Seattle SuperSonics’ historical accolades or identity to Oklahoma City. This leaves the door open for a seamless reintegration of the SuperSonics’ legacy into the city, should an expansion team be awarded.
The precedent set by the Charlotte Hornets when they reverted from the Bobcats to their original name also provides a template for how the Seattle situation might unfold. The Hornets’ successful reclamation of their history from the New Orleans Pelicans gives hope that the SuperSonics’ legacy can similarly be restored.
As fans eagerly wait for official announcements, the buzz around potential NBA expansion grows louder. Seattle, long considered a basketball haven, stands ready to welcome back the SuperSonics. Las Vegas remains another strong contender, further intensifying the excitement surrounding the league’s expansion plans.
Whether 2027-28 or later, the return of NBA action to these cities would be a significant moment in the league’s history. For now, all eyes are on the NBA Board of Governors and Commissioner Adam Silver, as they navigate the complexities and thrilling prospects of expanding the league’s footprint.