Excitement is building after the NBA Board of Governors voted to explore expansions in Seattle and Las Vegas. State and city leaders shared their enthusiasm for a hopeful return of the SuperSonics.
Excitement is building after the NBA Board of Governors voted to explore expansions in Seattle and Las Vegas, sparking hopes of a return of the Super Sonics , and state and city leaders sounded off to share their enthusiasm.
The NBA Board of Governors voted Wednesday to allow the league to explore expansion bids exclusively for teams in Las Vegas and Seattle.A vote to formally move forward with expansion bids likely won't come until at least the next NBA Board of Governors meeting in Las Vegas in July, which has long been home to the NBA's Summer League and has hosted the championship game of the NBA Cup the last three seasons.Washington Governor Bob Ferguson says that he feels optimistic, and that bringing back Seattle's beloved team is a "top priorty":"For two decades, Washingtonians have mourned the loss of our Sonics. Today’s vote is a milestone in the effort to bring NBA basketball back home."The time is right. The state-of-the-art Climate Pledge Arena already hosts professional basketball and hockey with the Storm, Kraken, and Torrent in front of a dedicated fanbase. And we know we have the best fans in the NBA."Bringing the Sonics back is a top priority, and the state will be a strong partner in this effort. I plan to be there at tipoff with thousands of fellow fans when the Sonics return."Gov. Ferguson previously met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver twice, discussing a possible return of the Sonics.Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson wrote ahead of the NBA Board's meeting that her office and the Seattle City Council are "ready" for the team's hopeful return:"Seattle is ready to welcome the Sonics home," wrote Mayor Wilson. "We never stopped being a basketball city, and the fans have never given up. You see it in our parks, in our schools, in packed gyms in every neighborhood, and our Seattle Storm championships. We built a world-class arena. We have a strong economy and a dedicated workforce. We are prepared, we are united, and we are ready for next chapter of our Sonics.""This week’s NBA vote is a pivotal moment for Seattle, years in the making," said Councilmember Bob Kettle. "We're a sports town, full stop. Our fans are fiercely dedicated to both men’s and women’s athletics. Now is the time to bridge the glaring gap in our sports landscape and bring the NBA back where it belongs! I can't wait to see the SuperSonics return home to the heart of Queen Anne at Climate Pledge Arena."Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho issued the following statement:"The NBA’s announcement today is a welcome step toward returning men’s professional basketball to Seattle. While we know this is one step in the process, it’s an exciting day. The region is ready. Fans are ready. Climate Pledge Arena is ready and was specifically rebuilt to accommodate an NBA franchise. Sports and entertainment are essential social and cultural binders, creating not only shared experiences but substantial economic impact for our region. The Port continues to support the great efforts and partnership between arena ownership and the City of Seattle to bring professional sports, world-class entertainment, and community connection to the heart of Seattle.""Yes! The debate for NBA expansion has begun! Seattle will be front and center in that debate," said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.Notably, the NBA Board has voted to explore expansion in Seattle and Las Vegas, just the first step in the possible return of the SuperSonics. It now falls on local ownership groups to put forward bids on a new team, with a hefty asking price of $7–$10 billion.Where is Jonathan Hoang? WA man with autism disappeared 1 year agoAs fuel prices rise, WA farmers face mounting challengesPolice say WA man shoots kid in the chest for throwing a water balloonSeattle high-rises connected by decommissioned Boeing 747 fuselageSCOTUS hears case that could impact WA ballot countingTo get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Sonics News People Katie Wilson Bob Ferguson Us Wa King County Seattle
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Seattle leaders back Sonics return as NBA owners weigh expansionIt has been a story filled with twists and turns, stops and starts, and lawsuits and countersuits that could fill a book.
Read more »
'Bring Back Our Sonics' superfans keep team revival drive aliveNearly 20 years after the Seattle SuperSonics left town, a group of die-hard fans says the push to bring the team back has never felt closer.
Read more »
Could Climate Pledge Arena's schedule fit the Seattle Sonics?With the NBA set to vote on the potential return of the Sonics, the question is, is there enough room on Climate Pledge Arena's calendar?
Read more »
Potential Sonics return would heal longstanding open wound for SeattleSeattle is a basketball city.
Read more »
NBA approves expansion process for Seattle, Las VegasThe NBA may be on the verge of returning the Sonics to Seattle.PREVIOUS COVERAGE:Seattle leaders back Sonics return as NBA owners weigh expansion'Bring Back Our
Read more »
Are the Seattle Sonics coming back? Here's what we knowIt is a big day for Seattle sports fans, with the NBA’s 30 voters voting in favor of expansion exploration for Seattle and Las Vegas.
Read more »