OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson will meet with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in Las Vegas on Monday, as the league’s owners prepare to vote on whether to initiate a formal expansion process. The potential return of the Seattle SuperSonics, a franchise that left the city in 2008, is central to the discussions. Ferguson, a lifelong fan of the team, intends to emphasize Washington state’s readiness to welcome the NBA back, and to listen to Silver’s perspective on the league’s considerations.
The meeting comes ahead of a vote by the NBA’s board of governors, expected next week, to determine if the league will begin the process of adding expansion teams. Currently, Seattle and Las Vegas are the only two cities under serious consideration, according to the Associated Press. The annual NBA board of governors meetings are being held in Las Vegas this year, placing Silver and team owners directly in one of the potential expansion markets.
“It’s a priority for me to do whatever I can to be helpful in bringing back the Sonics,” Ferguson said. “I plan to do a lot of listening. I aim for to hear as much as he’s willing to share about what’s going on. Obviously if This represents to happen, there will be a role in some capacity for the state to be helpful. What I’ve emphasized to him and others is that the state stands ready.” Ferguson acknowledged this isn’t his first conversation with Silver regarding the possibility of bringing NBA basketball back to Seattle.
A City Still Yearning for the Sonics
The departure of the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City in 2008 left a void in Seattle’s sports landscape and a lingering sense of betrayal among fans. For over a decade, civic leaders and passionate supporters have worked to demonstrate the city’s continued viability as an NBA market. Seattle’s KeyArena, formerly known as the Seattle Center Coliseum, was demolished in 2018 to pave the way for a new, state-of-the-art arena, now Climate Pledge Arena, privately funded by Oak View Group and anchored by NHL’s Seattle Kraken. Climate Pledge Arena opened in October 2021 and is considered NBA-ready.
Seattle University sports management professor Natalie Welch believes Ferguson’s meeting with Silver is a crucial opportunity to reinforce Seattle’s commitment. “Just reinvigorating that passion that’s still here in Seattle for the Sonics. It’s kind of a no-brainer for the NBA,” Welch said. She added that the city’s demonstrated ability to support professional sports, evidenced by the success of the Kraken and the Seattle Seahawks, strengthens the case for expansion.
The Expansion Process and Potential Hurdles
If the board of governors approves initiating the expansion process, a vote requiring 23 of the 30 teams in favor would be needed to move forward, according to the Associated Press. A subsequent vote would then be scheduled to officially approve the expansion teams. The league has not publicly discussed a timeline for these votes, but analysts anticipate a decision could come before the end of the year.
The financial implications of expansion are significant. Expansion fees are expected to be substantial, potentially exceeding $2.5 billion per team, providing a significant revenue boost to existing NBA franchises. The addition of two teams would similarly alter the league’s competitive balance and require adjustments to the draft and scheduling processes.
Washington’s Tax Climate and the NBA’s Concerns
During a recent interview on Seattle Sports radio, Seahawks General Manager John Schneider expressed concern that Washington state’s new 7% tax on capital gains—often referred to as a “millionaires tax”—could deter high-earning NBA players from choosing to play in Seattle. Schneider suggested the tax could “sting.”
Ferguson, however, downplayed the potential impact of the tax, noting that California, home to several high-profile NBA players including Steph Curry, already has a state income tax. “We lost the Sonics to a state that has an income tax, and we did not at the time. Steph Curry is paid a lot of money in California. They have a pretty hefty income tax, so, candidly, I just don’t think that has anything to do with anything,” he said. “But if he brings it up, of course we’ll talk about it.” The new tax applies to profits from the sale of stocks, bonds, and other high-value assets exceeding $250,000.
The debate over the tax highlights a broader concern within the NBA about maintaining a competitive landscape and attracting top talent. While the league has not publicly stated whether the tax will be a factor in the expansion decision, it is likely to be a topic of discussion during Ferguson’s meeting with Silver.
The potential for expansion to Las Vegas also presents unique considerations. The city’s thriving entertainment industry and growing population make it an attractive market, but concerns about gambling and its potential impact on the integrity of the game remain. The NBA has historically been cautious about its association with gambling, but attitudes are evolving as sports betting becomes increasingly legalized across the country.
As the NBA owners prepare to vote, the focus remains on Seattle and Las Vegas. The outcome of that vote will determine whether the dream of bringing the SuperSonics back to the Pacific Northwest will become a reality, or if Las Vegas will become the NBA’s newest home.
The next key step will be the NBA Board of Governors vote, expected next week. Following that vote, the league is expected to provide a more detailed timeline for the expansion process, including potential dates for a final decision on expansion teams. Stay tuned to time.news for continuing coverage of this developing story.
What are your thoughts on the potential return of the SuperSonics? Share your comments below, and let us realize what you think the NBA should consider when making its decision.
