Seattle leaders back Sonics return as NBA owners weigh expansion
KOMO • • sports
Key Points:
- The NBA Board of Governors is expected to discuss league expansion on Wednesday, potentially adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas and increasing the league from 30 to 32 teams.
- Details such as expansion fees, timelines, and conditions like season ticket drives or revenue-sharing are not yet clear, but franchise costs could range from $7 billion to $10 billion.
- Seattle’s bid is led by Samantha Holloway, owner of the NHL’s Kraken and majority stakeholder in Climate Pledge Arena, with experienced sports executive Tod Leiweke involved in the effort.
- The SuperSonics left Seattle nearly 20 years ago after a contentious sale and relocation, causing lasting political and cultural impacts, but current city leadership expresses strong support for the NBA’s return.
- The NBA has not expanded since 2002, and the league may follow a similar process to the NHL’s recent expansion, which awarded franchises to Las Vegas and Seattle after formal proposals.
