NBA Expansion: Seattle and Las Vegas in the Mix
The idea of NBA expansion has floated through conversations for more than a decade. Amid the rumors and speculative chatter, two cities are gaining significant traction as potential hosts for new franchises: Seattle and Las Vegas.
Seattle's storied basketball history makes it an attractive contender. The city lost its beloved SuperSonics in 2008 when the team was relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder. However, Seattle's passion for basketball never faded. The NBA occasionally holds preseason games in Seattle, keeping the connection alive.
Kevin Durant and the SuperSonics Legacy
Adding to the city's rich basketball heritage, Kevin Durant was drafted by Seattle in 2007 and spent his rookie season wearing the iconic green and gold of the SuperSonics. This bit of history only strengthens the argument that Seattle deserves another shot at an NBA team.
If Seattle were to regain an NBA franchise, speculation is strong that the SuperSonics name would make a triumphant return. According to sources, "if a team was to return to Seattle, the Thunder would cede the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics -- just as the NBA's Charlotte Hornets reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans when Charlotte switched from being the Bobcats to the Hornets in 2014."
Las Vegas as a Potential Destination
While Seattle garners much of the attention, Las Vegas has also entered the conversation as a potential expansion destination. The city's growing sports market and proven success with other professional sports teams, including the NHL's Golden Knights and the NFL's Raiders, make it a viable candidate for an NBA franchise.
Despite the buzz, there isn't a public timeline for when the NBA might officially announce its expansion plans. Rumors suggest that new teams could be added as soon as the 2027-28 season, but these remain conjectures for now. Official cities for these prospective franchises have yet to be named.
Board of Governors Discussions
League commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the topic's prominence, noting that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," suggesting a deliberative yet optimistic path forward. However, he recently remarked that there was "not a lot of discussion" regarding expansion during the annual fall Board of Governors meeting. It appears that while expansion is on the agenda, other priorities currently take precedence.
Strategic Timing
The completion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) last summer, followed by the finalization of a television rights deal, seems to have streamlined the league's immediate focus. These agreements pave the way for a more stable financial and operational environment, making the prospect of expansion more feasible in the coming years.
Historical Precedents
History offers some insights into how this might unfold. When the Charlotte Bobcats rebranded themselves as the Charlotte Hornets in 2014, they reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans. Similarly, if Seattle revives the SuperSonics, fans can expect the return of their historical accolades and identity. The Thunder did not bring any part of the Seattle SuperSonics’ historical achievements to Oklahoma City, which effectively leaves room for the potential franchise to step back into its original legacy.
As the NBA continues to evolve, the prospect of expansion maintains a tantalizing allure. Whether it be the revival of the SuperSonics in Seattle or the birth of a new team in Las Vegas, the excitement surrounding these possibilities keeps fans and stakeholders eagerly watching the league's next moves.
For now, the wait continues, but the hopes of seeing new teams in Seattle and Las Vegas give plenty of reasons for optimism.