The possibility of NBA expansion has been a staple of conversation for at least the last decade. This speculation has intensified in recent years, driven by the persistent buzz surrounding potential new franchises. Prime amongst the candidates for expansion are the cities of Seattle and Las Vegas, both of which have generated considerable excitement and speculation within the NBA community.
The Seattle SuperSonics: A Longing for Rebirth
Seattle's history with the NBA dates back to the establishment of the SuperSonics, a team that captured the hearts of the city's basketball fans. However, the SuperSonics' relocation to Oklahoma City in 2008, where they were rebranded as the Thunder, left a void that has yet to be filled. The city's passion for basketball remains undiminished, evidenced by the strong turnout at preseason games held sporadically in Seattle.
Kevin Durant, who was drafted by Seattle in 2007 and spent his rookie season with the SuperSonics, is a living testament to the city's rich basketball legacy. The return of an NBA team to Seattle wouldn't just resurrect professional basketball in the city but would likely also bring back the beloved SuperSonics name. As sources indicate, if a team were to return to Seattle, the Thunder would cede the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics, mirroring the precedent set by the NBA's Charlotte Hornets when they reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans in 2014.
Las Vegas: The New Contender
While Seattle's claim seems rooted in reclaiming a lost legacy, Las Vegas has emerged as a new contender, bolstered by its rapid growth as a major sports city. The city's success in hosting professional sports franchises, including the NHL's Golden Knights and the NFL's Raiders, showcases its potential to support an NBA team. Las Vegas’s bustling entertainment scene and established infrastructure for hosting major events make it an attractive destination for an expansion franchise.
No Official Timeline Yet
Despite the swirling rumors, the NBA has yet to provide an official timeline for expansion plans. It is speculated that new teams could be added as soon as the 2027-28 season, but for now, these remain conjectures. The recent completion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) last summer and a crucial television rights deal have been at the forefront of the league's priorities, temporarily shelving formal discussions on expansion.
League commissioner Adam Silver recently noted that there was "not a lot of discussion" regarding expansion during the annual fall Board of Governors meeting. However, he assured fans and stakeholders alike that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," signaling a deliberative yet optimistic path forward for potential new franchises. This suggests that while immediate announcements may not be forthcoming, the groundwork is being laid for future discussions.
Past Precedents and Implications
The potential reinstatement of the SuperSonics in Seattle would carry significant historical implications. Much like the transition experienced by the Charlotte Hornets in 2014, the rebranding to the SuperSonics would enable Seattle to reclaim its rich NBA history, including past accolades and iconic moments.
When the Charlotte Bobcats rebranded as the Charlotte Hornets, they reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans, providing a precedent for how the NBA manages the legacies of relocated franchises. The Thunder, having left behind the SuperSonics’ historical identity in Oklahoma City, positioned itself as a new entity, unlinked from Seattle's past achievements.
Conclusion
While the timeline for NBA expansion remains uncertain, the enthusiasm surrounding the return of the SuperSonics to Seattle and the introduction of a new team in Las Vegas reflects the league's growth and the fans' enduring passion for the sport. As discussions progress and plans take shape, basketball enthusiasts in both cities will eagerly await the day when they can cheer for their very own NBA teams, reigniting citywide pride and capturing new chapters in the illustrious history of the NBA.