NBA Expansion: Seattle Prepares for Sonics' Potential Return

City buzzes with excitement as NBA considers adding two new teams, including a Seattle franchise.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:52pm

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The NBA is set to vote on expanding the league by two teams this summer, and the city of Seattle is eagerly awaiting the outcome. With Las Vegas as the other top contender, the potential return of the Sonics has generated intense local interest and enthusiasm. Seattle Sports Commission president Beth Knox emphasizes the significant work ahead, including forming an ownership group and activating the community, if the expansion is approved. The financial implications of a new franchise are substantial, with recent team valuations suggesting expansion fees could be within a similar range.

Why it matters

The return of the Sonics would be a major boost for Seattle's sports landscape, which is already home to the Mariners and Seahawks. Local businesses are already feeling the buzz, with increased sales of Sonic gear, and former players like Gary Payton expressing interest in being involved. The NBA's decision will have a significant impact on the city's sports culture and economy.

The details

Seattle has been preparing for the potential return of the Sonics, with the city's sports commission leading the charge. The commission's president, Beth Knox, notes that even if the NBA approves expansion, there is still significant work to be done, including forming an ownership group and activating the community. The financial aspect of a new franchise is substantial, with recent team valuations suggesting expansion fees could be within a similar range to the $6.1 billion sale of the Boston Celtics and the expected $4 billion-plus sale of the Portland Trail Blazers.

  • The NBA Board of Governors is expected to vote on expansion this summer.
  • The specific date for the vote remains undisclosed.

The players

Beth Knox

President and CEO of the Seattle Sports Commission, who reflects on the city's enthusiasm and the work ahead for the potential return of the Sonics.

Brandon Miner

Co-owner of Pro Image, a sports apparel store in Seattle, who shares that the store is already selling a lot of Sonic gear and that the return of the team would be amazing for the city's sports landscape.

Gary Payton

A former SuperSonics star who still holds a special place in the team's history and has expressed interest in being involved in the potential return of the franchise.

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What they’re saying

“It has been exhilarating and a little frantic... It speaks to the passion of our fan base. They react to rumors, hoping the Sonics' return is more than just a rumor.”

— Beth Knox, President and CEO of the Seattle Sports Commission

“We're selling a lot of Sonic gear now. Having a team to associate with that gear would be amazing.”

— Brandon Miner, Co-owner of Pro Image

“The return of the Sonics would be the perfect addition to Seattle's sports landscape, already home to the Mariners and Seahawks.”

— Brandon Miner, Co-owner of Pro Image

What’s next

The NBA Board of Governors is expected to vote on expansion this summer. If approved, Seattle will be ready to welcome the Sonics back, as the city's sports commission assures, 'We will be ready and respond.'

The takeaway

The potential return of the Sonics to Seattle has generated immense excitement and anticipation in the city, with local businesses already feeling the buzz and former players like Gary Payton expressing interest in being involved. The NBA's decision on expansion will have a significant impact on Seattle's sports culture and economy, and the city is poised to welcome back its beloved franchise if the vote is approved.