It's Happening: NBA Expansion Vote Begins Today and Seattle Might Finally Get the Sonics Back
This is it. After 18 years without professional men's basketball, Seattle is one vote away from getting the SuperSonics back. NBA governors are voting today to approve the league's expansion from 30 teams to 32 teams, and if it passes, the Sonics could be suiting up in the Emerald City as soon as the 2028-29 season.
Need 23 of the 30 franchise governors to say yes, and Seattle and Las Vegas are the only two markets being considered. Vegas is getting a team either way, but Seattle? That's the one we care about. That's the one that matters.
Ferguson and Silver Met, and Things Are Looking Good
Governor Bob Ferguson sat down with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Monday afternoon to make the case for bringing basketball back to Seattle. According to Ferguson's spokesperson, the meeting was "productive." More importantly, Ferguson made it crystal clear to Silver that getting the SuperSonics back is a top "priority" for him. That's not just talk. That's political weight behind the bid.
The Kraken Ownership Just Made a Power Move
Here's what got everyone talking: the Seattle Kraken ownership group announced it's launching a parent brand called One Roof Sports and Entertainment. The move isn't subtle. It's designed to oversee a growing portfolio of properties and fuel new opportunities, which could absolutely include owning an NBA expansion team.
Even better? One Roof Sports and Entertainment just purchased additional equity in Climate Pledge Arena from Oak View Group, making themselves the majority owner of the building. Oak View Group will still manage it day to day, but the message is loud: the Kraken ownership group is positioning itself to be the owner of a future Seattle Sonics franchise.
Kraken chair Samantha Holloway said it plainly: "We're committed to this community, and this parent brand brings together everything we've done, from a privately financed arena to the Seattle Kraken. Increasing our ownership in Climate Pledge Arena allows us to consolidate operations and sets us up for future opportunities."
The Arena is Ready. The Bid Could Cost $7-10 Billion
Climate Pledge Arena was literally designed with the NBA in mind. It's built to meet league standards and describes itself as ready for "future NBA basketball." According to Dr. Natalie Welch, director of Seattle University's Sports and Entertainment department, the arena is set up to be "plug and play" for an NBA team. The Kraken ownership group's move on the arena shows they're serious about being that team.
The catch? Any franchise bid is estimated between $7 to $10 billion. That's massive, but the Kraken ownership group has already proven it can move mountains in this city.
The vote happens today. If it passes, we could be celebrating the return of the SuperSonics by 2028. Eighteen years is a long time to wait. Let's get this done.
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about Seattle SuperSonics.
View X conversation →🔮 Trade Seattle Sports on Kalshi
Did you know you can trade on Seattle sports outcomes on Kalshi, the only federally regulated prediction market in the US? Kalshi is available in Washington state. Bet on Seahawks games, Mariners season outcomes, Kraken playoff runs, and more. No sportsbook account needed.
💰 Limited offer: Get a FREE $10 when you sign up!
👉 Sign up at Kalshi.com and use promo code SEATTLEONTAP to claim your free $10.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.