The Future of NBA Expansion: Seattle and Las Vegas in the Spotlight
The possibility of NBA expansion has lingered in the background of league discussions for over a decade. Among the cities speculated to host new franchises, Seattle and Las Vegas have emerged as frontrunners. For Seattle, regaining an NBA team would not only fill a void but might also see the revival of the beloved SuperSonics brand.
Seattle lost its SuperSonics in 2008 when the team was relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder. Since then, the NBA has occasionally brought preseason games to Seattle, but the city has yet to reclaim a team of its own. The sting of the SuperSonics' departure lingers, intensified by the fact that Kevin Durant, now a league superstar, was drafted by Seattle in 2007 and played his rookie season there.
Adam Silver, the NBA Commissioner, recently commented on the topic of expansion during the annual fall Board of Governors meeting. He remarked that there was "not a lot of discussion" at that time, but assured fans that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," hinting at the league's intent to explore the matter further.
The league completed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) last summer and immediately moved on to finalize a television rights deal. These significant milestones have streamlined the NBA's priorities, possibly paving the way for more focused discussions on expansion.
Rumors suggest that new teams could be added as soon as the 2027-28 season, though no official timeline has been disclosed. There is also no confirmation regarding which cities will receive these prospective franchises. Despite this uncertainty, Seattle remains a strong contender. In contrast to Seattle's enduring history, Las Vegas has entered the conversation with fresh potential as a host city for a new team.
Sources indicate that if a team were to return to Seattle, the Thunder would cede the SuperSonics' history back to the revived franchise. This situation mirrors what occurred with the Charlotte Hornets. When Charlotte rebranded from the Bobcats to the Hornets in 2014, they reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Thunder's relocation to Oklahoma City did not bring any of the Seattle SuperSonics’ historical accolades or identity with it. This creates a welcoming scenario for a potential return of the SuperSonics, preserving and respecting the team's storied past.
While expansion has not yet become the centerpiece of formal discussions, the momentum seems to be building. The fanbase in Seattle remains hopeful, clinging to the possibility that their nostalgic wishes will be fulfilled with the SuperSonics' return. Such a development would not only reinstate Seattle's place in the NBA but also revitalize one of the league's most iconic brands.
On the other hand, Las Vegas continues to make its case as a viable new market for the NBA. The city's burgeoning sports scene, highlighted by the recent success of the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights, illustrates its potential to support an NBA franchise. Adding an NBA team to this mix could further elevate Las Vegas' profile as a major sports hub.
As the league moves forward with its strategic priorities, fans and stakeholders will be keenly watching for any signs of official announcements. The anticipation of expansion brings a mix of nostalgia for Seattle and excitement for new beginnings in Las Vegas. In any case, the enduring conversation about NBA expansion underscores the league's growth and the ongoing passion of its fanbase.