For over a decade, the possibility of NBA expansion has been a topic of fervent conversation among fans, analysts, and league executives. As the league continues to evolve, the prospect of adding new teams remains a tantalizing prospect, with two cities consistently emerging as frontrunners: Seattle and Las Vegas.
A City’s Heartbreak and Hope
Seattle lost its cherished SuperSonics in 2008 when the team relocated to Oklahoma City, becoming the Thunder. The city’s passion for basketball has hardly faded, and the NBA has recognized this by occasionally holding preseason games in Seattle. Many fans remember that Kevin Durant, now a global basketball superstar, was drafted by Seattle in 2007 and played his rookie season there. The longing for the return of the SuperSonics has not dimmed.
Sources have indicated that if a team were to return to Seattle, the Thunder would cede Seattle’s historical accolades and identity back to the SuperSonics. As seen with the Charlotte Hornets regaining the Charlotte-era history from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2014, this move would restore a significant part of Seattle's sports heritage.
No Timeline Yet
Despite the rampant speculation, there is currently no public timeline for when the NBA might formally announce its expansion plans. Rumors have circulated that new teams could be introduced as soon as the 2027-28 season. However, official cities for these prospective franchises have yet to be named.
League commissioner Adam Silver recently remarked that there was "not a lot of discussion" regarding expansion during the annual fall Board of Governors meeting. Yet, he assured that "expansion is a topic the board plans to address this upcoming season," hinting at a strategy that values deliberation and optimism.
Las Vegas in the Mix
Beyond Seattle, Las Vegas has also emerged as a serious candidate for NBA expansion. The city, already home to the NHL's Golden Knights and the NFL's Raiders, has proven itself a viable sports market, with the infrastructure and fan base to support another major sports franchise. The possibility of an NBA team in Las Vegas adds another layer of intrigue to the expansion discussions.
Streamlined Priorities
The completion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) last summer, along with the finalization of a television rights deal shortly thereafter, has streamlined the league’s priorities. While expansion has yet to be the center of formal discussions, these agreements have set the stage for the NBA to address future opportunities, including adding new teams.
Historical Precedents
The precedent for reclaiming team history in expansion or relocation scenarios is well established. When the Charlotte Bobcats rebranded themselves as the Charlotte Hornets in 2014, they reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans. Similarly, the Thunder did not bring any part of the Seattle SuperSonics’ historical accolades or identity to Oklahoma City, leaving the door open for Seattle’s rich basketball legacy to be revived with a potential new team.
The fervor for NBA expansion continues to build, with Seattle and Las Vegas standing out as prime destinations. As fans eagerly await official announcements, the memories of Seattle's SuperSonics and the exciting prospects for Las Vegas fuel the ongoing conversation. Commissioner Adam Silver's comments suggest that while the process may be measured, the path forward holds promise for bringing NBA basketball to these passionate cities once again.