NBA expansion has been a hot topic for the past decade, with reports and speculation about potential cities for new franchises. Seattle, home to the former Seattle SuperSonics, has been a top contender since the team moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. There is strong interest in bringing basketball back to Seattle, as evidenced by the NBA hosting preseason games in the city. Notable figures like Kevin Durant, who started his career with the SuperSonics, have voiced support for a return of the NBA to Seattle.
While the NBA has not announced a specific timeline for expansion, rumors suggest that new teams could be added for the 2027-28 season. Seattle and Las Vegas are among the rumored cities for potential expansion franchises. If Seattle is awarded a team, there is a possibility that the iconic “SuperSonics” name could also make a comeback.
According to ESPN, if a team returns to Seattle, the Thunder would relinquish the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics, similar to how the Charlotte Hornets reclaimed their Charlotte-era history. This move would untangle the shared history between the two teams and bring back important NBA heritage associated with the SuperSonics.
League commissioner Adam Silver mentioned that expansion was not extensively discussed during a recent meeting, but it remains a topic for future consideration. With recent developments like the new CBA and TV rights deal, expansion could become a priority for the NBA in the coming years.
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