Seattle’s long-awaited return to the NBA may be closer than ever after the Seahawks captured the Super Bowl 60 title, reigniting enthusiasm for the city’s basketball fans. This development complements ongoing talks about NBA expansion plans, with Seattle emerging as a top candidate to regain a franchise.
Recent reports revealed that Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has shown strong interest in bringing back the NBA team, following a phone conversation with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. This engagement signals renewed official support for Seattle’s bid in the league’s expansion discussions.
Las Vegas and Seattle Lead Contenders for NBA Expansion Slots
Industry insiders and sports analysts point to Seattle and Las Vegas as the leading cities in contention for two new NBA teams expected to be approved. Dallas Morning News reporter Brad Townsend shared on X that the NBA Board of Governors is poised to vote on expanding the league by two franchises this summer, with these cities favored for selection.
Think it’s going to be an extra-great year for Seattle. I’m hearing the NBA Board of Governors likely to vote on expanding by two teams this summer and Las Vegas and Seattle are favored.
— Brad Townsend, Sports Journalist
Governor Ferguson Reflects Personal Connection and Support for NBA Return
Governor Bob Ferguson’s spokesperson, Brionna Ah, spoke to KOMO News about the governor’s personal ties to Seattle’s basketball history. According to Ah, Ferguson cherished memories as a child attending Seattle Supersonics games and participating in the Lenny Wilkens basketball camp. His recent outreach to Adam Silver indicates a proactive step towards facilitating the team’s comeback.
As a kid, the governor grew up attending many Sonics games and attending the Lenny Wilkens basketball camp. The governor recently reached out to Commissioner Adam Silver, requesting an introductory meeting. They had a good conversation, and the governor offered to be helpful.
— Brionna Ah, Spokesperson for Governor Ferguson
Background on the Sonics’ Departure and Continued Interest in Seattle Market
Seattle lost its NBA franchise in 2008 when the Supersonics relocated to Oklahoma City, following a lease agreement resolution with KeyArena and ownership. Despite the absence, NBA leadership, including Commissioner Silver, has repeatedly acknowledged Seattle’s passionate fanbase and the potential for the city to host a team once more.
I would just say again to our many fans in Seattle, and I hear from them often, the legacy of the Sonics is still very strong, and it’s a fantastic basketball market and we are very focused on it.
— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
I think the fact that I’m sort of not being more forthcoming publicly doesn’t mean we’re not studying it very intensively.
We don’t take those fans for granted. We’re thankful that the interest has remained over all these years. And so I would just say the fact that we’re not ready to make any public announcements with a specific timeline doesn’t mean we don’t care a lot about those fans and are very focused on the potential for the NBA to return to Seattle.
Current Seattle Teams Keep Basketball Spirit Alive Amid NBA Prospects
While waiting for an NBA return, Seattle has maintained its basketball culture through the successful Seattle Storm of the WNBA, who have been strong contenders in recent seasons. The Seahawks’ recent Super Bowl victory, combined with Governor Ferguson’s visible enthusiasm, has renewed hope among former Sonics fans that NBA basketball will soon come back home.
The potential approval of expansion teams by the NBA Board of Governors this summer could mark a turning point in Seattle’s sports history, restoring the city as a key player in professional basketball once again.
Think it's going to be an extra-great year for Seattle. I'm hearing NBA Board of Governors likely to vote on expanding by two teams this summer and Las Vegas and Seattle are favored.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) February 9, 2026
