The Seattle Medium
The NBA has taken a major step toward potentially bringing professional basketball back to Seattle, with the league’s Board of Governors voting to formally explore expansion to the city.
The vote authorizes the NBA to begin evaluating Seattle and Las Vegas as potential expansion markets, marking a significant milestone in the effort to restore an NBA franchise to a city that has gone without a team since the Seattle SuperSonics relocated in 2008.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the decision reflects growing interest in both markets and signals the start of a broader evaluation process.
“Today’s 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,” Silver said. “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.”
As part of the process, the league has retained investment bank PJT Partners to assess key factors including ownership groups, arena readiness, market conditions and the overall economic impact of expansion.
While no timeline has been finalized, early discussions suggest that new teams could begin play as soon as the 2028–29 season.
For many in Washington, the announcement represents renewed hope after nearly two decades without an NBA team.
“For two decades, Washingtonians have mourned the loss of our Sonics. Today’s vote is a milestone in the effort to bring NBA basketball back home,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said.
Ferguson pointed to Seattle’s existing sports infrastructure as a key advantage, noting that Climate Pledge Arena already hosts professional basketball and hockey and has demonstrated strong fan support. He also emphasized the state’s willingness to partner in efforts to bring a team back.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson echoed that optimism, saying the city is prepared for the return of the Sonics.
“Seattle can’t wait to welcome our Sonics back home,” Wilson said. “The city is ready, the fans are ready, the arena is ready, and I could not be more excited about what’s next.”
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell also weighed in, calling the league’s decision the beginning of a competitive process that will put Seattle in a strong position.
“Yes! The debate for NBA expansion has begun! Seattle will be front and center in that debate,” Cantwell said.
Seattle has long been viewed as one of the top candidates for NBA expansion, thanks to its established fan base, modern arena and deep basketball history. The SuperSonics’ departure in 2008 left a lasting impact on the region, and efforts to bring the team back have continued ever since.
The NBA said it will provide additional updates as the exploration process moves forward.
