Will the Seattle SuperSonics Return to the NBA?

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It's been a long 15 years ever since the NBA departed from Seattle. Time doesn’t always heal wounds, but it can rekindle hope. The finished Climate Pledge Arena in 2021 has removed the primary obstacle that led to the departure of the Seattle SuperSonics franchise. Now, Seattle boasts a perfect venue designed for the NBA.

For basketball enthusiasts and betting fans, the potential return of the SuperSonics is thrilling. According to sports expert Adam Haynes, B2C's list of offshore sportsbooks offers dependable platforms for those eager to place bets on potential NBA games, including the much-anticipated return of Seattle's team. In fact, Seattle is the second-favorite as the next NBA city, with odds of +350, behind only Vegas with +110.

Adam Silver, who is the NBA Commissioner, has provided further details on Seattle's preparation. During the pregame show for Game 2 of the NBA Finals, TV Analyst and NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal questioned Adam about expansion, specifically referencing Seattle.

"With everything going so well, do you, in the near future, expect more expansion teams? You hear Seattle, you hear Las Vegas, is that a possibility?" O'Neal asked.

"It is a possibility," Silver responded. "What we've said in the last few years is, number one, we wanted to get our collective bargaining agreement, so we've done that now. Then we wanted to understand what our new media rights packages are, those negotiations will begin in earnest next spring. Once that's done, we'll turn to expansion."

Understanding the context of Silver’s statement is essential. Although he cannot officially confirm cities right now, it is clear that the NBA has done the research. Silver, known for his meticulous and successful approach, has previously stated that Seattle is the first on the list for expansion. The agreement was completed this year, and the TV and digital rights deal, according to Silver, could be completed in 2024.

Think about it: if you’re approaching TV partners to bid on broadcasting NBA games, wouldn’t you rather have them pay to watch 32 teams playing the game, and not 30? This could be a significant revenue boost. Silver is straightforward, but it will be interesting to see how things will turn out in time.

Silver added, "We don't have anything specific in mind right now. I think it makes sense over time if you're a successful organization and continue to grow, there's no doubt there are a lot of great cities that are interested in having the NBA."

The SuperSonics started playing in the 1967-1968 season, even before the Mariners or Seahawks. Their last season was the 2007-2008 campaign featuring rookie Kevin Durant. Seattle reached the NBA Finals three times: '78, '79, and '96. They won the championship in 1979.

A contentious disagreement over a new arena resulted in the team's sale during the 2000s. Clay Bennett, who is the new owner, relocated the team to Oklahoma City. Seattle is hoping for the return of their team, and if the NBA comes back, the team will have the name SuperSonics back, since the city still holds the rights over that name.

The events have increased the pace since the renovation and opening of Climate Pledge Arena in 2021. The arena even has a "future NBA locker room". Silver’s comments and the more defined timeline provide further evidence Sonic fans may wait no longer.

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