The Kraken Owner Just Signaled Seattle's NBA Bid is All In
Seattle is officially back in the NBA expansion conversation, and the Kraken organization is making it clear: they're ready to fight for a franchise. After the NBA announced Wednesday that it will explore expansion to possibly add two teams, Tod Leiweke, CEO of One Roof Sports and Entertainment, told reporters in New York that his group started this journey eight years ago with a clear mission to bring basketball back to the Emerald City, and they're not backing down now.
One Roof is the Only Team Stepping Up So Far
Here's the thing: so far, One Roof Sports and Entertainment is the only organization to publicly express its intent to bid for an NBA franchise in Seattle. That means while the league figures out the next steps on expansion, the Kraken group is positioned as the frontrunner. No other groups have stepped forward yet, which gives One Roof a significant advantage in what could eventually become a crowded race.
Building on Foundation, Same Way as Always
Leiweke made it clear that One Roof isn't just throwing money at this. The group has been laying groundwork all week with strategic announcements, and they're approaching a potential NBA bid the same way they've built the Kraken organization from day one: with fans, community, and genuine passion for Seattle.
"We started this journey eight years ago intentful to bring the NBA back, and we are going to lean in," Leiweke said. "If we're fortunate enough someday to bring it back and help lead, we'll do it the same way, in the same fashion we've done everything else: fans, community and with passion for this place we live."
The Sonics are coming back to Seattle. Maybe not tomorrow, but it's looking more real every single day. And the Kraken organization is ready to make it happen.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.