Seattle could see the return of the Supersonics after the NBA’s board of governors voted to explore adding two new franchises, with Las Vegas also in contention.
The Supersonics played from 1967 to 2008 before relocating to Oklahoma City, where the Thunder now reign as NBA champions.
If approved, expansion would raise the league’s total from 30 to 32 teams, with bids expected between $7bn and $10bn.
Las Vegas has never had an NBA team but has become a sports hub, hosting the NHL’s Golden Knights, the NFL’s Raiders, and soon MLB’s Athletics. Seattle, meanwhile, remains a strong market with the Seahawks, Mariners, and Kraken.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the vote reflects “interest in exploring potential expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle.”
Any move requires approval from 23 of the 30 governors, but for Seattle fans, the Supersonics name could soon return to the hardwood.
