Tulalip Tribes in talks to bid for Sonics return to Washington
Sep 5, 2026, 6:26 AM
A Seattle Sonics fan holds a sign before the Rain City Showcase in a preseason NBA game between the LA Clippers and the Utah Jazz at Climate Pledge Arena on October 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo: Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
(Photo: Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
The Tulalip Tribes confirmed it’s in discussions about joining a bid to bring the Sonics back to Washington, but with a stadium potentially in Marysville.
Reports have surfaced that private equity firm BlackSun has submitted a bid to bring a National Basketball Association franchise back to Western Washington, with a proposed stadium location on or near tribal land in Marysville. The Tulalip Tribes confirmed the development group is involved in discussions about the possibility of being part of the bid.
The proposal could mark a potential return for the Supersonics franchise, which previously played in Seattle. In a statement, the Tulalip Tribes expressed support for participating in the effort to bring the team back to the region, noting that sports provide community connections while offering opportunities to expand tribal entertainment options and diversify the local economy.
“The Tulalip Tribes are excited to be part of the effort to bring the Supersonics home,” Tulalip Chairman Hazen Shopbell stated. “Basketball is near and dear to us. Over the years, sports have given us a place to belong and come together during good and hard times.
“We are also always looking for ways to add to our entertainment offerings and diversify our economy,” Shopbell continued. “When Tulalip wins, all of Snohomish County wins because the jobs we create and energy we generate stay right here in the local community. This is one of several ideas we are working on. Our leaders before us laid a way for our people, and we will always look for new ways to provide opportunity for our people today and for our next generations.”
Kathleen Groen, a Supersonics fan and former Iowa native who said she moved to the Seattle area in the 1970s, recalled following the team during its championship era.
“’78 we lost, I saw Jack Sikma on an airplane and then in ’79 we won!” Groen said.
Shopping in Marysville, Groen said transportation infrastructure would be a major factor for fans traveling north from Seattle.
I would say they have to do something with light rail and traffic in order to do it, because it’s almost unfeasible to think about coming up here,” Groen said. “People would do it because we love the Sonics.”
Pointing to existing facilities in Seattle, Groen added, “I think Climate Pledge is a good place to start.”
Danny Ball, host of the Iconic Sonics podcast, highlighted potential administrative challenges regarding NBA team placement.
“The Sonics HQ has to be in Seattle city limits,” Ball said.
He said the Philadelphia 76ers are the only NBA franchise with a two-state footprint, maintaining a practice facility in New Jersey while playing games in Philadelphia. Ball said major sporting events in Seattle have a different feel because Seattle’s stadiums are in the heart of the city.
“We just are fresh off a World Cup where we saw other cities where their stadiums are super far outside the city limits,” Ball said. “I think the idea of it staying inside the city is more fun from my perspective.”
Ball said it’s very possible that when the Sonics return, a G-League team could come with it.
“A lot of those G-League teams in other markets are a little bit outside the city,” Ball said.
Discussing prospective minor league hosts, he added, “In my head it makes sense for it to be in Tacoma. Played a season there in ’95.”
Ball said Everett, Marysville, or other cities could also host a G-League team.
KIRO 7’s attempts to reach private equity firm BlackSun for comment were unsuccessful.
