NBA vote clears way for expansion to Seattle
After nearly a generation of heartache, the NBA is on the precipice of returning to Seattle. The league’s Board of Governors on Wednesday voted to formally explore expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, kicking off a process that could bring a team back for the 2028-29 season. “For two decades, Washingtonians have mourned the loss […]
Ray Allen of the Seattle SuperSonics shoots against the Indiana Pacers on Dec. 1, 2006, at Key Arena in Seattle. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) After nearly a generation of heartache, the NBA is on the precipice of returning to Seattle.
The league’s Board of Governors on Wednesday voted to formally explore expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, kicking off a process that could bring a team back for the 2028-29 season. “For two decades, Washingtonians have mourned the loss of our Sonics,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a statement.
“Today’s vote is a milestone in the effort to bring NBA basketball back home. ” The vote, which needed support from 23 of the league’s 30 franchise owners, allows the league to formally open the bidding process for the new teams. A later vote from the board would finalize the transactions, should they move forward.
That could come as soon as this summer. “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,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.