‘Just glorious to hear’: Sonics fans fired up over potential NBA return

The NBA is taking a major step toward expansion, with the league’s Board of Governors voting to explore bids and applicants focused exclusively on Seattle and Las Vegas. It’s a move that brings the return of the SuperSonics closer to reality.

Multiple high-ranking NBA officials said expansion is a matter of “when, not if,” signaling strong momentum behind adding two new franchises, according to ESPN.

Sonics fans shared their thoughts outside Climate Pledge Arena.

“The NBA is a top, top, top league in this country,” Tim explained. “It would be great to see them return to Seattle.”

Alec, who was from Cleveland, said, “I think it’d be great for the city. I mean, there’s so much history with the team that’s incredible. And being from Cleveland, we lost the Browns, we got the Browns back. Like it’s huge to have the team back in the city where they started.”

Berndt, who grew up in Germany, shared that he and his friends were never interested in NBA basketball until former Sonic Detlef Schrempf started playing.

“You probably know that Detlef, who’s been the first real superstar, I think, from Germany, joining the League,” Berndt said. “This is how we all started to watch. It was even before the Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen era. So, it would be perfect to get them back.”

Mike and his girlfriend were excited to add the Sonics to their lineup of Kraken games to attend. “That sounds very exciting. We’d love to see a return,” Mike said.

George added, “I know so many of my coworkers over at MOPOP even have uniforms from back in the day. That is just glorious to hear.”

For Seattle, the development revives memories of the Sonics’ legacy, from Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens to the franchise’s 1979 championship, and fuels excitement among fans eager to see the team return after its 2008 departure.

The cost of bringing the Sonics back

A new franchise is expected to come with a hefty price tag, with estimates ranging between $7 billion and $10 billion.

Momentum may also be building behind the scenes. Earlier this week, Seattle Kraken owner Samantha Holloway announced the creation of “One Roof Sports & Entertainment,” an umbrella brand that gives her a majority stake in Climate Pledge Arena and could signal preparation for a potential expansion bid.

Any final ownership group is expected to include a mix of billionaire investors and private equity firms.

While no formal timeline has been announced, the league’s latest move reinforces what many around the NBA already believe — the return of professional basketball to Seattle is no longer a question of if, but when.

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