Home / Sports / Seattle NBA Dreams Reignite: Durant Cheers Return
Seattle NBA Dreams Reignite: Durant Cheers Return
26 Mar
Summary
- NBA is exploring expansion, with Seattle and Las Vegas as top markets.
- Kevin Durant expressed excitement for Seattle to regain an NBA team.
- Expansion plans are still tentative, with a decision by late 2026.
The National Basketball Association is formally exploring expansion, with Seattle and Las Vegas emerging as the leading contenders for new franchises. This development, announced on Wednesday, March 26, 2026, has sparked considerable excitement, particularly in Seattle, which lost its beloved SuperSonics in 2008.
Kevin Durant, who began his NBA career with the Seattle SuperSonics, expressed his enthusiasm for the city potentially getting an NBA team back. He noted that basketball has been "sorely missed" in the Northwest. The league has engaged investment bank PJT Partners to assess ownership groups, financial aspects, and arena situations.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated that a decision on expansion, which could bring the league to 32 teams, is not yet guaranteed and could involve one, two, or no new markets. If expansion proceeds, the inaugural season for newcomers is speculated to be 2028-29, with potential franchise entry fees between $7-10 billion.
Silver also addressed other league matters, including the competitive balance concerning player talent for new teams and the 65-game eligibility rule for awards. He remains committed to combating the issue of tanking and will convene a special Board of Governors meeting in May to vote on lottery reforms for the upcoming seasons.
