Seattle’s NBA comeback gains momentum
Seattle’s NBA hopes are gaining momentum as the league considers a possible expansion. The renewed attention is bringing Seattle’s basketball history back into focus.
Arena plans, ownership interest and regional support are all adding to the growing conversation. But several important decisions remain before the city could welcome an NBA franchise.
Seattle has an established NBA history
Seattle previously had an NBA franchise, the SuperSonics, from 1967 through 2008. The franchise won the 1979 NBA championship and developed a long history in the Pacific Northwest.
The team moved to Oklahoma City after the 2007-08 season and became the Oklahoma City Thunder. The relocation agreement preserved the SuperSonics name, colors and related intellectual property for a future Seattle NBA team, while the NBA’s statistical history remains shared between the Seattle and Oklahoma City franchises.
Climate Pledge Arena is NBA-ready
Climate Pledge Arena now occupies the site of Seattle’s former KeyArena. The facility was extensively redeveloped and opened in October 2021, with professional basketball included among the sports it was designed to accommodate.
The arena currently hosts the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and NHL’s Seattle Kraken. Seattle officials have formally stated that the facility is ready to serve as an NBA home.
The NBA hired PJT Partners
The NBA hired investment bank PJT Partners as a strategic adviser for its expansion evaluation. The firm is examining potential ownership groups, arena infrastructure, prospective markets and broader economic considerations.
The league is using the evaluation to gather information before making a final expansion decision. Silver has emphasized that the current process remains an exploration rather than a commitment to add teams.
Multiple Seattle ownership groups are involved
Ownership interest has become an important part of Seattle’s expansion discussion during 2026. One Roof Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Seattle Kraken and has control of Climate Pledge Arena, has publicly expressed interest in bringing an NBA team to Seattle.
BlackSun Private Equity also entered the publicly known Seattle bidding discussion in August. The NBA has not publicly selected an ownership group.
BlackSun has proposed a different arena plan
BlackSun Private Equity has proposed an ownership bid that could eventually place a new arena in Snohomish County. The group has discussed potential partnerships involving tribal communities and land near Marysville.
Under the proposal described by The Seattle Times, a Seattle franchise would initially play at Climate Pledge Arena while another facility was developed. The NBA has not endorsed the proposal.
One Roof remains involved in the process
One Roof Sports and Entertainment remains a publicly identified ownership group seeking an NBA franchise for Seattle. The organization is the parent brand of the Seattle Kraken and is the majority owner of Climate Pledge Arena.
One Roof’s arena ownership could give the group an existing venue relationship if Seattle receives an NBA franchise. However, the NBA has not announced a winning Seattle ownership group or finalized its expansion decision.
Seattle officials support an NBA return
Seattle city leaders formally declared their readiness for an NBA franchise in 2026. A City Council resolution specifically stated that Climate Pledge Arena is prepared for an NBA team and reaffirmed Seattle’s basketball identity.
The resolution followed the NBA’s decision to explore expansion. City officials have also discussed future investment in Seattle Center infrastructure surrounding the arena.
Interesting fact: Seattle had an NBA team for 41 seasons, from 1967 until the franchise moved to Oklahoma City in 2008.
Washington state leaders support expansion
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson publicly supported the NBA’s decision to explore Seattle expansion. His office pointed to Climate Pledge Arena and Seattle’s existing professional sports infrastructure as important factors.
The Port of Seattle also issued a statement supporting the potential return of men’s professional basketball. These government statements demonstrate official regional support, although they do not determine the NBA’s final franchise decision.
Interesting fact: Kevin Durant was the No. 2 overall pick in 2007 and played only one season in Seattle before the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City.
A decision is expected by year-end
Adam Silver has repeatedly said the NBA wants to complete its expansion decision by the end of 2026. The league’s Board of Governors continues reviewing ownership proposals, financial details and arena plans.
Silver has also stressed that expansion is not guaranteed. The NBA could choose two teams, one team or no teams, meaning Seattle’s current status remains a potential opportunity rather than an approved franchise.
The proposed expansion could begin in 2028
The 2028-29 season has been discussed as a possible starting point for potential expansion franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas. That timeline remains dependent on the NBA completing its evaluation and approving new teams.
If expansion proceeds, the new franchises would need to build their rosters through a process determined by the NBA. The league has not finalized the specific expansion format or expansion draft rules.
Seattle and Las Vegas are the current candidates
The NBA’s formal expansion exploration currently centers on Seattle and Las Vegas. The league identified both markets because of their existing basketball histories and interest in professional sports.
The process could ultimately result in two new franchises, one franchise or no expansion teams. The NBA has not announced that Seattle will receive a team, and the league continues evaluating both markets.
The internet is also talking about how a report raises fresh questions about Joel Embiid’s work ethic ahead of the new NBA season.
A SuperSonics return remains undecided
Seattle is now formally involved in the NBA’s expansion process, but a SuperSonics return has not been finalized. The league must still evaluate ownership groups, finances, arena arrangements and other expansion requirements.
For now, Seattle remains one of two markets the NBA is formally exploring for potential expansion. The NBA’s expected decision by the end of 2026 will determine whether Seattle receives an expansion franchise.
In other news, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s Team USA chemistry draws attention amid rivalry talk.
What do you think about Seattle’s chances of getting an NBA team? Like this slideshow and comment with your thoughts on a possible SuperSonics return.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
Read More From This Brand:
