The Future of NBA Expansion: Seattle and Las Vegas at the Forefront
The possibility of NBA expansion has been a consistent topic of discussion for the past decade. Among these discussions, Seattle frequently emerges as a prime candidate for a new franchise. The city has long sought to revive its basketball heritage since losing the SuperSonics in 2008, when the team relocated to Oklahoma City and was rebranded as the Thunder.
In an attempt to maintain a relationship with the city of Seattle, the NBA has periodically held preseason games there. The last iconic memory for Seattle's NBA fans was the drafting of Kevin Durant in 2007, who played his rookie season with the SuperSonics before their relocation. The city’s passion for basketball has not dwindled since, positioning it as a frontrunner for potential NBA expansion.
Though the timeline for such expansion remains unclear, rumors suggest that new teams could be added as soon as the 2027-28 season. Official cities have yet to be named for these prospective franchises, but alongside Seattle, Las Vegas has entered the conversation as a potential destination. An expansion to these cities offers promising prospects for the league and its fans.
Should Seattle regain an NBA team, there is strong speculation that the iconic SuperSonics name would make a comeback. The Thunder has already expressed a willingness to cede the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics if a team were to return to the city. This would follow the precedent set when the Charlotte Hornets reclaimed their Charlotte-era history from the New Orleans Pelicans after rebranding from the Bobcats to the Hornets in 2014.
"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," confirmed a reliable insider.
Despite the growing anticipation, formal discussions on expansion have not yet taken center stage during the NBA’s annual fall Board of Governors meeting. League Commissioner Adam Silver recently remarked that there was "not a lot of discussion" regarding expansion during this meeting. However, he assured fans and stakeholders that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," suggesting a deliberative yet optimistic path forward.
The NBA's recent focus has been on finalizing key priorities. The completion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement last summer and the subsequent finalization of a television rights deal streamlined the league's immediate agenda. Now, with these significant milestones in place, the league can turn its attention to the possibility of expanding its geographic footprint once more.
As the conversation continues to evolve, the history and identity tied to Seattle's basketball legacy remain a poignant aspect for fans and the league alike. The potential return of the SuperSonics is not just about adding another team to the roster; it represents a restoration of legacy and an emotional homecoming for a passionate fan base.
Las Vegas also presents an intriguing option for expansion. The city's burgeoning sports scene, bolstered by the recent success of the NHL's Golden Knights and the NFL's Raiders, suggests a ready and enthusiastic market for an NBA team. The addition of a team in Las Vegas could further solidify the city’s status as a major player in the sports entertainment industry.
While the NBA’s expansion timeline remains uncertain, the cities of Seattle and Las Vegas offer compelling narratives and strong market potential. As Commissioner Adam Silver and the Board of Governors prepare to address expansion in the upcoming season, fans of these prospective cities will be eagerly awaiting any official announcements. The return of the SuperSonics and the introduction of a Las Vegas team could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the NBA's storied history.