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NBA Inches Closer to Bringing Sonics Back to Seattle
Meeting between Washington governor and NBA commissioner sparks new hope for SuperSonics' return.
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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In a promising development for Seattle basketball fans, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson recently met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to discuss the potential return of the Seattle SuperSonics. The meeting, which caught the attention of many in the state, comes as the city's Climate Pledge Arena has undergone a $1.15 billion renovation that includes an unfinished NBA locker room space, signaling Seattle's ongoing preparations for an NBA franchise.
Why it matters
The SuperSonics' departure in 2008 was a major blow to Seattle's sports landscape, leaving a void that fans have long hoped to fill. The meeting between Ferguson and Silver suggests the NBA is still considering Seattle as a potential expansion market, keeping hope alive for the city's basketball enthusiasts.
The details
During the meeting, neither side disclosed the specific details of their conversation. However, the timing alone was seen as meaningful, as Seattle has been actively campaigning for the SuperSonics' return for years. The city still owns the team's name and logo, making a potential comeback more feasible. Additionally, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has previously expressed Seattle as a 'tremendous' candidate for expansion, and league owners have approved a deeper study into the possibility.
- The meeting between Governor Ferguson and Commissioner Silver took place on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
- In June 2025, Silver called Seattle a 'tremendous' candidate for a new NBA team.
- In July 2025, Silver confirmed that NBA owners had approved a deeper study into expansion.
The players
Bob Ferguson
The governor of Washington, who grew up attending SuperSonics games and has remained a passionate advocate for the team's return to Seattle.
Adam Silver
The current commissioner of the National Basketball Association, who has expressed interest in potentially expanding the league to include a team in Seattle.
Climate Pledge Arena
The former home of the Seattle SuperSonics, which has undergone a $1.15 billion renovation that includes an unfinished NBA locker room space, signaling the city's preparations for a potential NBA franchise.
What’s next
The meeting between Governor Ferguson and Commissioner Silver does not guarantee the immediate return of the SuperSonics, but it keeps the door open for future expansion discussions. The NBA is still taking its time and has not set a definitive timeline for any decisions.
The takeaway
The meeting between the Washington governor and the NBA commissioner represents a small yet significant step forward in the long-standing effort to bring the Seattle SuperSonics back to the city. While no concrete plans have been announced, the ongoing dialogue and Seattle's continued preparations suggest the NBA remains interested in the possibility of expansion to the Pacific Northwest.
