Adam Silver says expansion process continues; multiple groups interested in Seattle, Vegas

Key Points:

• NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that multiple groups, including some undisclosed, are interested in bringing an expansion NBA team back to Seattle, with the review process ongoing and expected to conclude by the end of the year.
• Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena, a modern facility hosting the NHL's Kraken and WNBA's Storm, provides an NBA-ready venue, strengthening the city's bid compared to previous efforts hindered by arena issues.
• Key figures such as Kraken majority owner Samantha Holloway and Melinda French Gates are assembling ownership groups, supported by local leaders including Governor Bob Ferguson, who expressed strong confidence in the Sonics' return.
• The NBA aims to decide on expansion by 2026, with the earliest possible start for new teams in the 2028-29 season, while also considering financial implications, conference realignment, and competition from Las Vegas, which is also pursuing an NBA franchise.
• The league's last expansion was in 2002 with Charlotte, and the current process involves careful evaluation of ownership, financial viability, and market readiness, with Seattle and Las Vegas as the leading candidates for future NBA growth.