The possibility of NBA expansion has been a staple of conversation for at least the last decade, and although there's no public timeline for when the NBA might officially announce its expansion plans, interest continues to grow. Seattle, a city that lost its SuperSonics in 2008 when the team was relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder, remains a frontrunner for an expansion team. Additionally, Las Vegas has recently entered the conversation as a potential expansion destination.
The Seattle Saga
Seattle's basketball passion runs deep. Despite losing the SuperSonics, the city hasn't let go of its NBA roots. Notably, Kevin Durant, now a star in his own right, was drafted by Seattle in 2007 and spent his rookie season with the SuperSonics. The NBA has occasionally held preseason games in Seattle, keeping the flame of professional basketball alive in the city.
If Seattle were to regain an NBA team, strong speculation suggests 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 -- 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." The Thunder did not bring any part of the Seattle SuperSonics’ historical accolades or identity to Oklahoma City, making the transition back to the SuperSonics a relatively clear path.
Las Vegas Emerges as a Contender
Meanwhile, Las Vegas has emerged as another candidate for NBA expansion. Known primarily as a city of entertainment, Las Vegas has shown its capability to support professional sports teams with successful franchises like the NHL's Golden Knights and the NFL's Raiders. The city's inclusion in expansion talks signifies a broadening of horizons for the NBA.
Current Status and Future Prospects
There's been no shortage of rumors, with new teams potentially being added as early as the 2027-28 season. However, league commissioner Adam Silver recently remarked that there was "not a lot of discussion" regarding expansion during the annual fall Board of Governors meeting. That said, Silver assured that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," suggesting a deliberative yet optimistic path forward.
It's worth noting that expansion has not yet been the center of formal discussions during recent Board of Governors meetings. 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. Nonetheless, the anticipation remains high.
A Hopeful Reawakening
For Seattle fans, the potential return of the SuperSonics carries emotional significance. The rebranding of the Charlotte Bobcats to the Charlotte Hornets in 2014 provides a precedent for such a move. When this change occurred, Charlotte reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans. If Seattle were to get an expansion team, it would similarly reinherit its historical records and identity.
While the path to expansion appears methodical and cautious, the NBA’s intent is clear. The league recognizes the value of reinvigorating markets with a rich basketball history and the potential of new, burgeoning locations. As fervor builds and the stars align, it's not a question of "if" but "when" the expansion will materialize. And when it does, cities like Seattle will be ready to embrace their basketball heritage once more.