Seattle’s NBA Return Inches Closer as Expansion Vote Begins
SEATTLE — After nearly two decades without a team, the prospect of the Seattle SuperSonics returning to the NBA is gaining momentum. NBA governors began a two-day vote on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, to potentially expand the league from 30 to 32 teams, with Seattle and Las Vegas widely considered the frontrunners for fresh franchises.
A City’s Long Wait
The Seattle SuperSonics, a beloved fixture in the city’s sports landscape, relocated to Oklahoma City in July 2008, becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder. This departure left a void in the hearts of Seattle fans, who have since tirelessly campaigned for the team’s return. Grassroots efforts like the “Bring Back Our Sonics” campaign, led by Jeff Brown and Joe Jung, have kept the dream alive for nearly two decades.
The Expansion Process
The current vote marks the first step in a potential expansion process. Twenty-three of the 30 franchise governors must vote in favor of the resolution for it to pass. If approved, the league is targeting the 2028-29 season for the new teams to begin play. A final vote is expected later in 2026, after bids have been submitted for the potential expansion teams.
Seattle’s Readiness
Seattle is considered a strong candidate due to its passionate fanbase and the presence of Climate Pledge Arena, a modern venue capable of hosting an NBA team. The city previously supported the SuperSonics for over 40 years. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Monday, March 23, 2026, to reiterate the state’s commitment to bringing the Sonics back.
Potential Bidding War
Industry executives project that bids for the expansion teams could range from $7 billion to $10 billion each. Any bid would likely need to include detailed plans for marketing, ticketing and digital rights.
Looking Ahead
Whereas the vote is a significant step, the process is far from over. Seattle fans remain cautiously optimistic, hoping that their decades-long wait will soon come to an end. The coming months will be crucial as potential ownership groups prepare their bids and the NBA evaluates the future of its expansion plans.