Washington Governor Meets with NBA Commissioner, Sparking Sonics Comeback Hopes

Meeting between Governor Bob Ferguson and Adam Silver raises optimism for Seattle SuperSonics' return.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Basketball fans in the Pacific Northwest are feeling cautiously optimistic after news broke that Washington Governor Bob Ferguson met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. The meeting has reignited hopes for the potential return of the Seattle SuperSonics, the city's beloved former NBA franchise that relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008.

Why it matters

The SuperSonics were a source of immense pride for Seattle sports fans before the team's controversial relocation. The meeting between the governor and commissioner signals a potential path forward for bringing the Sonics back to the city, which would be a major win for the community and restore a cherished part of the region's sports culture.

The details

Governor Ferguson, who grew up attending Sonics games and the Lenny Wilkens basketball camp, recently reached out to Commissioner Silver to request an introductory meeting. The two had a productive conversation, with the governor offering to be helpful in addressing any of the commissioner's concerns about bringing a team back to Seattle. The most likely route for the Sonics' return is through NBA expansion, as the league has hinted at adding two new teams, with Seattle and Las Vegas seen as the frontrunners.

  • Governor Ferguson met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Thursday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Bob Ferguson

The current governor of Washington, who grew up as a fan of the Seattle SuperSonics and is now working to help bring the team back to the city.

Adam Silver

The current commissioner of the National Basketball Association, who has been hinting at the possibility of league expansion for several years.

Howard Schultz

The former CEO of Starbucks, who sold the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett in 2006, leading to the team's relocation.

Clay Bennett

The Oklahoma City businessman who purchased the Seattle SuperSonics in 2006 and later relocated the team to Oklahoma City.

Lenny Wilkens

A former NBA player and coach who ran a basketball camp that the governor attended as a child.

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What they’re saying

“As a kid, the governor grew up attending many Sonics games and attending the Lenny Wilkens basketball camp. The governor recently reached out to Commissioner Adam Silver requesting an introductory meeting. They had a good conversation, and the governor offered to be helpful.”

— Governor's Spokesperson (NewsRadio 560 KPQ)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This meeting between the Washington governor and NBA commissioner represents a significant step forward in the effort to bring the Seattle SuperSonics back to the city. While the path forward is not yet certain, the optimism and willingness of both parties to work together suggests that the long-awaited return of the Sonics may be closer than ever before.