The NBA Board of Governors approved a vote Wednesday for the league to formally explore potential expansion teams exclusively in Seattle and Las Vegas, marking the biggest step yet toward a possible return of the Seattle Sonics.
A step closer to Sonics: NBA votes to explore Seattle, Vegas expansion
That means the NBA will begin holding formal talks with prospective ownership groups for Seattle, with investment bank PJT Partners serving as a strategic adviser during the process.
One Roof Sports and Entertainment, launched by Seattle Kraken ownership as a parent brand on Monday, has already emerged as a potential candidate. One Roof CEO Tod Leiweke confirmed to KING 5 on Wednesday that the group will pursue ownership of a Seattle NBA expansion team.
However, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said during a press conference Wednesday that he expects “multiple bidders” in Seattle and Las Vegas.
Silver also was asked if there’s anything more the city of Seattle needs to prove in order to land an expansion team.
“I don’t think it’s about anything specific that the city of Seattle needs to do,” Silver said. “… We have strong business partners there. I travel there frequently. The (WNBA’s) Storm have had great success in Seattle. It’s just a wonderful market. And on top of that, enormous economic growth around technology.
“I think it has more to do with who comes forward as the potential owner, understanding the arena situation, understanding the economics. Because putting aside what somebody is willing to pay for the franchise, we want to make sure they’re in a position to be successful – and whether that means sharing a building with the hockey team or whatever arrangement is put forward.”
The Sonics spent 41 seasons in Seattle before the franchise was relocated in 2008 to become the Oklahoma City Thunder. Given the city’s rich basketball history and four-plus decades as an NBA city, Seattle has long loomed as a leading candidate to land an expansion team. The 30-team NBA hasn’t expanded since adding the Charlotte Bobcats, since renamed the Hornets, in 2004.
“I think part of the issues we’ll be looking at is, will we be putting a team in position to be successful in Seattle?” Silver said. “I mean, I see no reason standing here today why that shouldn’t be the case. But we’re going to work through this process.”
More on potential Seattle Sonics NBA expansion
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• What NBA commissioner said about Seattle, Vegas expansion
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