The NBA Just Opened the Door: Here's What It Could Mean for Seattle's Sonics Return
It finally happened. After more than a decade of waiting, the NBA Board of Governors just gave the green light for serious expansion talks with Seattle and Las Vegas. Translation: the Sonics could actually be coming home.
Commissioner Adam Silver broke the news Wednesday following the board meeting, and he made it clear this isn't just NBA lip service anymore. This is real. And there's a very Seattle-focused reason why.
The Story That Started in 2014
Silver told a story Wednesday that explains everything. Back in February 2014, right after he became commissioner, David Bonderman walked into his office. Bonderman was a minority owner of the Boston Celtics, but he didn't want to talk about the Celtics. He wanted to talk about bringing an NBA expansion team to Seattle.
"He came to see me to tell me that he was very interested in expansion team in Seattle," Silver recalled, joking that they'd laugh about it every time they met afterward. The problem? The NHL was moving faster. Before the NBA could make a move, the Kraken grabbed the Seattle market instead. Climate Pledge Arena got rebuilt, and Bonderman became the Kraken's majority owner instead of chasing an NBA team.
But here's the thing: Bonderman never gave up on his NBA dream. And now his daughter might be the one to finish it.
Samantha Holloway Is Ready to Bid
After Bonderman's death in December 2024, his daughter Samantha Holloway took over as the Kraken's executive chair and equal co-owner. And she's already made her intentions clear: Holloway's One Roof Sports and Entertainment is publicly the only group so far that's committed to pursuing an NBA expansion team in Seattle.
Silver confirmed he and Holloway have become friends over the years, but they couldn't talk specifics until the board voted. Now they can. "Samantha and I check in with each other occasionally," Silver said, "and she understands that until our board made a decision that we're ready to explore this next state of expansion there was nothing specific she and I could talk about."
The Process Starts Now
Silver expects multiple bidders to emerge in both cities over the next couple months. One Roof is the frontrunner, but they won't be alone for long. More groups means more competition, a longer vetting process, and potentially a higher expansion fee.
The league will want answers: Is the arena ready? What about practice facilities? How much money can this franchise actually make? Silver said the process will start with groups expressing interest and preliminary valuations, probably within the next couple months.
Seattle's waited a long time for this. The question now is whether Holloway and One Roof can get it done where Bonderman couldn't.
🐦 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.