Governor Bob Ferguson joined members of the Seahawks and quarterback Jim Zorn to raise the 12 Flag before the Super Bowl. (Gov. Bob Ferguson)
SEATTLE — The NBA has taken its clearest step yet toward returning professional basketball to Seattle, as league owners approved a plan Wednesday to explore expansion in the city.
“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,” said Adam Silver. “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.”
The NBA Board of Governors voted to authorize the league to formally evaluate potential expansion in both Seattle and Las Vegas, according to an official release from the league.
As part of that process, the league has engaged investment firm PJT Partners to assess potential markets, ownership groups, arena infrastructure, and the broader financial impact of expansion.
However, the league has not awarded any teams. Instead, the decision merely launches a formal expansion process that could eventually bring the NBA back to Seattle for the first time since 2008.
Governor Calls Vote “Milestone” For Sonics Return
Gov. Bob Ferguson called the decision a turning point in a long-running effort to restore the NBA in Washington.
“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,” Ferguson said in a statement.
He pointed to Seattle’s modern arena and fan support as key factors.
“The time is right. The state-of-the-art Climate Pledge Arena already hosts professional basketball and hockey with the Storm, Kraken, and Torrent in front of a dedicated fanbase,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson added the state is prepared to play a role if expansion moves forward.
“Bringing the Sonics back is a top priority, and the state will be a strong partner in this effort,” he said.
Seattle Now Meets Key Requirement That Didn’t Exist In 2008
The effort centers on Climate Pledge Arena, a renovated venue widely viewed as NBA-ready.
Currently, the arena hosts the Seattle Storm and Seattle Kraken. As a result, Seattle no longer faces the facility concerns that contributed to the Sonics’ relocation to Oklahoma City nearly two decades ago.
For years, the arena situation stood as the primary barrier to an NBA return. Now, that obstacle is effectively gone.
Expansion Process Just Beginning, Not Final Approval
Despite the momentum, the league has not approved expansion teams.
Instead, the vote authorizes the NBA to:
- evaluate ownership groups
- review market strength
- analyze arena readiness
- determine expansion fees and structure
The process is expected to take months, and potentially years, before any final decision is made.
Seattle is widely viewed as a leading candidate, but it will still need a finalized ownership group and league approval.
What Happens Next In The NBA Expansion Process
The next phase will likely include:
- formal bids from ownership groups
- financial vetting by the league
- negotiations over expansion fees
- a final vote by NBA owners
If approved, expansion teams would likely begin play later this decade.
What To Know About NBA Expansion In Seattle
Is Seattle getting an NBA team?
No. The NBA has only approved exploring expansion. A team has not been awarded.
What did the NBA approve?
The league approved a process to evaluate expansion in Seattle and Las Vegas.
Why is Seattle a top candidate?
Seattle now has a modern arena and strong fan support, removing the biggest barrier from 2008.
When could the Sonics return?
If approved, an expansion team would likely begin play later this decade.
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