The long-awaited return of professional basketball to the Pacific Northwest is nearing a reality. This week, the National Basketball Association Board of Governors is expected to hold a pivotal vote regarding league expansion.
The current proposal aims to increase the league from 30 to 32 teams, with Seattle positioned as a primary frontrunner for a new franchise.
According to an ESPN report, a growing number of owners are believed to support expansion to Seattle because of the long-term revenue growth for the league. Industry executives estimate that Seattle would be among the NBA’s top eight revenue generators.
A two-thirds majority vote is needed to pass, which would be 23 of 30 NBA team owners.
If the Board of Governors vote passes, a final vote to approve Seattle expansion could come at the end of 2026, after bids have been made by potential ownership groups.
A Legacy Interrupted
The potential return of the NBA to the Pacific Northwest is about more than just revenue. Before the current expansion discussions, Seattle was home to a storied basketball culture that left an indelible mark on the league.
For over four decades, the Seattle SuperSonics were a cornerstone of the NBA. From their inception in 1967 to their 1979 Championship run led by Hall of Famer Jack Sikma, the team fostered one of the most passionate fan bases in professional sports.
The “Emerald City” became synonymous with high-octane basketball in the 1990s, defined by the iconic duo of Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp.
However, the franchise’s departure in 2008 left a void in the city’s identity. Since then, Seattle has remained a “basketball town” in spirit, producing a consistent stream of elite NBA talent and maintaining a top-tier WNBA presence with the Seattle Storm.
Path Forward
During meetings this week, the Board of Governors will hold a pivotal vote to move the expansion process into its next phase. Success requires a two-thirds majority, meaning 23 of the 30 team owners must signal their approval.
If the vote passes, the league will begin evaluating bids from various ownership groups. While the wait has already spanned nearly two decades, the final resolution is finally in sight: a definitive vote to approve Seattle’s expansion team could arrive by the end of 2026.
For a city that never stopped cheering, the finish line has never been closer.
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