NBA Weighs Sonics Comeback Amid Washington Tax Concerns

State Republican leader says NBA Commissioner Silver raised tax issues in talks with Governor Ferguson.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the NBA considers expanding to Seattle, concerns have emerged about whether Washington state's tax climate could influence the league's decision on the potential return of the Seattle SuperSonics. State Republican Party Chair Rep. Jim Walsh said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed concerns about taxes during discussions with Governor Bob Ferguson. While some experts argue high taxes could deter wealthy athletes and owners, others note that stars often choose high-tax markets like California and New York for brand and endorsement benefits. Despite the tax questions, negotiations for a Sonics comeback remain active, with additional meetings between state leaders and the NBA scheduled.

Why it matters

The potential return of the SuperSonics is a major sports story in the Seattle area, with significant economic and civic implications. The tax concerns raised by the NBA could impact whether the league ultimately decides to bring the team back to the city, making this an important issue to follow.

The details

According to Rep. Jim Walsh, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver raised concerns about Washington's tax climate during discussions with Governor Bob Ferguson about a potential SuperSonics expansion. While critics argue high taxes could deter wealthy athletes and owners, experts note that stars often choose high-tax markets like California and New York for brand and endorsement benefits. Despite these tax questions, negotiations for a Sonics comeback remain active, with additional meetings between state leaders and the NBA scheduled.

  • The discussions between Governor Ferguson and Commissioner Silver took place recently.
  • The proposed tax changes that concerned the NBA would not take effect for two more years.

The players

Adam Silver

The Commissioner of the National Basketball Association.

Bob Ferguson

The Governor of Washington state.

Jim Walsh

The Chair of the Washington State Republican Party.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It might be something that would interfere with a return of the Sonics to Seattle. I don't think it's like a dead deal or anything, but Silver, the head of the NBA, had concerns.”

— Jim Walsh, State Republican Party Chair

“I think it could. I think it absolutely could. You know 10% on large amounts of money is a lot of money, any way you slice it. It's not like it's 1.5% or 2%, so that's not insignificant no matter how much wealth has been accumulated.”

— Dave Eskenazi, Seattle sports historian

“I think taxes are really something to help us understand the different things at play that we don't really comprehend.”

— Ellis Simani, Seattle-raised data journalist, ProPublica

What’s next

Governor Ferguson and Commissioner Silver are expected to meet again on Monday as conversations over a potential return of the SuperSonics remain active.

The takeaway

The potential tax concerns raised by the NBA could be a significant factor in whether the league ultimately decides to bring the SuperSonics back to Seattle, highlighting the complex financial considerations involved in major sports franchise decisions.