Seattle may finally see NBA basketball return after nearly 20 years without a team. The league announced that its Board of Governors will vote March 24-25 on expansion, with Seattle and Las Vegas as the primary candidates for a 2028-29 launch, according to Shams Charania.
Seattle has remained one of the most passionate NBA fan bases in the country. Even after the SuperSonics left for Oklahoma City in 2008, fans have continuously pushed for the league to return. Today, the city boasts a renovated Climate Pledge Arena, strong civic support, and a ready-made sports culture, making it a top contender for expansion.
What NBA fans in Seattle can expect
Early speculation points to a potential revival of the SuperSonics brand, though a rebrand is also possible. Climate Pledge Arena, home to the NHL’s Kraken, would be the likely venue, offering modern amenities and prime downtown location.
Several investment groups are reportedly interested, including Seattle-based executives with NBA ties.
Seattle fans will remember the city’s glory days with the SuperSonics, including the 1979 NBA championship and numerous playoff runs led by legends like Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. An expansion team would aim to reignite that legacy while building a new era of basketball in the Pacific Northwest.
If the March vote passes, the NBA would move into a due diligence and purchase phase, with a final vote later in the year. Seattle could officially be on the court by the 2028-29 season, rejoining the league as one of its most storied cities.
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