With the NBA hoping to expand by 2027-28, Seattle is among the potential host cities. An area with a rich basketball tradition, both in professional and nonprofessional settings, their being gifted an NBA franchise is actually one of the league’s most anticipated moves. There are no guarantees, but there’s momentum for the Seattle SuperSonics to make a triumphant return.
Indeed, “if a team was to return to Seattle, the Thunder would cede the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics,” per ESPN.
More Good News For SuperSonics As NBA Pursues Expansion
The now defunct SuperSonics franchise was active from 1967 to 2008. They then were relocated and rebranded as the Oklahoma City Thunder. Unlike the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Atlanta Hawks, this wasn’t exactly a smooth transition though. Seattle wanted to keep their franchise, they just ran into issues of funding.
After arbitration, it was decided that the SuperSonics would be able to keep their likeness and logos. However, their history would be shared with the Thunder.
“The deal between Thunder ownership and the city of Seattle resolving a lawsuit over the team’s arena lease and allowing their move to Oklahoma City stipulated that the name SuperSonics and all associated logos, colors and trademark would be transferred to the owner of a new NBA team approved to play at a renovated KeyArena at no cost.
That agreement laid out the terms of shared ownership of Sonics history… Officially, the NBA combines the history of the two teams.
Despite this ruling, the Thunder recognize themselves as a separate entity from the SuperSonics. It’s been noted that they don’t completely recognize any of the SuperSonics’ team or individual accomplishments.
The Thunder, however, do not hang any banners for the SuperSonics in Oklahoma City… and they don’t highlight any Seattle stats…”
Perhaps this was decided in anticipation of Seattle having another franchise in the future. Considering that the Thunder completely revamped their image, maybe they even wanted to break away. Whatever the reason, it does make it easier on both teams.
If Seattle is named a host city for an expansion franchise, the NHL’s Seattle Kraken’s ownership group is “preparing for a bid…”
“The Kraken’s ownership group, led by owner Samantha Holloway and her father (founding owner David Bonderman), has been preparing for a bid… Bonderman has been a member of the (Boston) Celtics’ ownership group since their 2002 sale… Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and the sons of former Sonics owner Barry Ackerley are also part of Kraken ownership.
The Kraken’s Climate Pledge Arena is expected to serve as the new home of the SuperSonics. Of note, the WNBA’s Seattle Storm play at Climate Pledge Arena as well, lending credence to the idea that the Kraken’s owners will be the ones to bring the SuperSonics back to the city. If so, they may already have one candidate for a front office position.
In March, 14-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant revealed that he would love to help run the team. Durant, drafted second overall in 2007, was the Sonics’ last lottery pick.
