Washington Governor Meets with NBA Commissioner About Bringing Back SuperSonics

Ferguson offered to assist in efforts to return the beloved basketball team to Seattle.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 3:15am

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Washington Governor Bob Ferguson met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to discuss the potential return of the Seattle SuperSonics. Ferguson, who grew up attending Sonics games, offered to be helpful in bringing the team back to Seattle, 18 years after the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City.

Why it matters

The return of the SuperSonics would be a major win for Seattle sports fans who have been waiting for years to have their beloved basketball team back. It would also provide an economic boost to the city and the surrounding region.

The details

During the meeting, Ferguson and Silver discussed the NBA's potential expansion plans, with Silver indicating the league would decide in 2026 whether to pursue expansion. Seattle has been considered a likely destination, especially with the opening of the state-of-the-art Climate Pledge Arena. However, expanding the NBA back to Seattle would come at a significant cost, as franchise values have surged in recent years.

  • In 2008, the SuperSonics left Seattle and relocated to Oklahoma City, becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • In 2013, Seattle sports fans had hoped to get a team back when the Sacramento Kings reportedly reached a deal to relocate, but the move was rejected by other NBA owners.
  • Last year, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver indicated the league would decide in 2026 whether to pursue expansion, with Seattle and Las Vegas as likely destinations.
  • On February 5, 2026, Governor Bob Ferguson met with Commissioner Silver to offer assistance in bringing the SuperSonics back to Seattle.

The players

Bob Ferguson

The current governor of Washington state, who grew up attending SuperSonics games and is a fan of Seattle sports teams.

Adam Silver

The commissioner of the National Basketball Association, who has indicated the league is considering expansion in the coming years.

Howard Schultz

The former owner of the Seattle SuperSonics, who relocated the team to Oklahoma City in 2008.

Steve Ballmer

The former Microsoft CEO who was part of a group that tried to purchase and relocate the Sacramento Kings to Seattle in 2013.

Brionna Aho

The spokesperson for Governor Bob Ferguson.

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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.”

— Brionna Aho, Spokesperson for Governor Bob Ferguson (dailyfly.com)

“We know that our work in professional sports is not done until we bring the Seattle SuperSonics back home.”

— Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The NBA is expected to make a decision on potential expansion in 2026, with Seattle and Las Vegas as likely destinations. Governor Ferguson's offer to assist in bringing the SuperSonics back to Seattle could help the city's chances of regaining its beloved basketball team.

The takeaway

The potential return of the Seattle SuperSonics has been a long-standing desire for the city's sports fans, and Governor Ferguson's meeting with NBA Commissioner Silver represents a significant step forward in that effort. The success of the Kraken, Storm, and Torrent at the Climate Pledge Arena has further demonstrated Seattle's readiness to host an NBA franchise, and the economic and cultural benefits of the SuperSonics' return would be immense for the region.