Seattle could regain an NBA team after the league’s board of governors voted to explore adding two expansion franchises. Las Vegas is the other potential location.
Seattle’s Potential Return
The Seattle Supersonics competed in the NBA from 1967 to 2008. The team relocated to Oklahoma City and were renamed the Thunder after being bought by an Oklahoma-based group in 2006. NBA superstar Kevin Durant played his rookie season for the Seattle Supersonics before the team relocated to Oklahoma City.
Seattle would reportedly be able to use the Supersonics name and logo if a franchise were to return to the city. Seattle hosts teams in three of the four major leagues – the Seahawks, the Mariners and the Kraken.
Las Vegas Eyes First NBA Team
Las Vegas has not previously had an NBA team, but has two teams in the four major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada. The Vegas Golden Knights were founded in the Nevada city as an expansion franchise in 2017. The NFL’s Raiders moved there from Oakland in 2020. MLB team the Athletics will move to Las Vegas from the 2028 season.
Las Vegas has hosted NBA all-star events and summer league games. The Women’s National Basketball Association side the Aces are also based there.
Expansion Still Requires Approval
If the expansion is approved, it would increase the number of NBA teams from 30 to 32. Any expansion is still several steps away and would require approval by at least 23 of the 30 NBA governors to pass. Any bids to own either of the two expansion franchises are expected to be between $7bn (£5.2bn) to $10bn (£7.5bn).
- If both expansion teams are created, they would be placed in the Western Conference.
- Either the Memphis Grizzlies or Minnesota Timberwolves would move to the Eastern Conference.
- This would ensure 16 teams in each conference.
Commissioner’s Statement
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the vote “reflects our board’s interest in exploring potential expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle – two markets with a long history of support for NBA basketball.” He added: “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the current NBA champions, while the franchise previously won one title as the Supersonics in 1979.