Locals respond to potential return of the Seattle SuperSonics — not just a regular team

The potential for a return of the SuperSonics to Seattle is not exactly a slam dunk, yet. But now that the NBA's leadership officially favors exploring expansion to Seattle, it scores some big points toward the city winning a team once again.

Now, locals are not only celebrating that serious steps are finally being taken, but also the return of hope. There is hope that the Sonics will return after painfully being taken away in 2008, that Squatch will lead cheers, and that songs will again rattle the roof, proclaiming that the SuperSonics, oh yeah, are not just a regular team.

At this point, the potential for a return of the SuperSonics balances on the term "exploration." The NBA Board of Governors approved a plan Wednesday morning that allows the league to “formally explore potential team expansion" in Las Vegas and Seattle. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver echoed that sentiment in a statement saying the "vote reflects our Board’s interest in exploring potential expansion."

"Exploring" breaks down to checking off certain boxes before any team becomes official. One box is coming up with a timeline for adding two new teams to the NBA. So far, the 2028-29 season is the earliest that has been mentioned for this. Also, the league might have to reshape the Western Conference to balance things out. The Associated Press reports that one Western team could be shifted over to the Eastern Conference.

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Perhaps the biggest box to check is the franchise fee and exploring if anybody will step up to pay it. Simply put, a new owner will have to pay at least an estimated $6 billion to join the NBA.

"Somebody is going to get the privilege to offer a whole ton of loot in order to be awarded this expansion franchise," Danny O'Neil with The Dang Apostrophe sports newsletter told KUOW last week.

Local response to potential SuperSonics return

“Bringing the Sonics back is a top priority, and the state will be a strong partner in this effort," Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a statement. "I plan to be there at tipoff with thousands of fellow fans when the Sonics return.”

Leading up to the vote, Ferguson met with Silver to discuss the Sonics potential. The governor said the Zoom meeting was "productive." After the board's vote, Ferguson said it was a "milestone in the effort" to bring back the Sonics.

“The time is right," Ferguson said. "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. And we know we have the best fans in the NBA."

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson also weighed in.

“Seattle can't wait to welcome our Sonics back home," Wilson said in a statement. "The city is ready, the fans are ready, the arena is ready, and I could not be more excited about what's next.”

Local basketball star Isaiah Thomas (University of Washington) seemed open to investing.

Seattle Councilmember Rob Saka announced Tuesday that he is introducing legislation to reaffirm the city's commitment to bringing back the Sonics, and is further hosting a public discussion around the return. A community roundtable is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 2 at City Hall.

Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho acknowledged that the NBA's vote is just one step toward getting the Sonics back, but said it is a "welcome step."

Cho issued the following statement on today's news about the possible expansion of the National Basketball Association (NBA) to Seattle:

“The region is ready," Cho said. "Fans are ready. Climate Pledge Arena is ready and was specifically rebuilt to accommodate an NBA franchise. Sports and entertainment are essential social and cultural binders, creating not only shared experiences but substantial economic impact for our region. The Port continues to support the great efforts and partnership between arena ownership and the City of Seattle to bring professional sports, world-class entertainment, and community connection to the heart of Seattle.”

Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell commented, "Yes! The debate for NBA expansion has begun! Seattle will be front and center in that debate."

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