Seattle Looks Set for NBA Team Return by 2028‑29

Who’s Behind the Bidding War

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Tuesday that several groups are vying to bring an NBA franchise back to Seattle. The most visible contender is Samantha Holloway, who already controls the Seattle Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena. Although Holloway’s team is the only one to have publicly declared interest, additional investors have entered the picture, creating a competitive bidding environment. Holloway’s spokesperson declined to comment on Silver’s remarks when contacted.

When Could the Sonics Return?

The league’s target window for the potential return is the 2028‑29 season, giving the process roughly five years to finalize. Seattle fans have grown weary after years of waiting, with many describing the ongoing silence as exhausting. Even so, a segment of the fanbase remains hopeful, pointing to the excitement around hiring a new general manager and basketball operations chief. Danny Ball of Iconic Sonics noted that conversations about the expansion have been stalled since March, keeping supporters in a holding pattern.

Key Figures and Historical Context

Longtime supporters like Jack Gerke reminisce about seeing Detlef Schrimpf and Tom Chambers play, recalling the heartbreak when “DJ” moved away. Gerke’s emotional recollection underscores the deep connection the city maintains with its former NBA team. The original Supersonics left Seattle in 2008, relocating to become the Oklahoma City Thunder, a move that still reverberates among local fans. The current ownership of Climate Pledge Arena by Holloway is seen as a natural fit, given the arena’s modern facilities and central location. Fans view a new NBA side as a way to reclaim that lost era of basketball culture.

What Happens Next?

Commissioner Silver indicated that the league should have definitive answers regarding the expansion by the end of this year. The resolution will likely involve finalizing the bidding group, securing the necessary funding, and coordinating with arena operators. If the process follows the expected timeline, Seattle could see a new NBA team take the court just in time for the 2028‑29 campaign, marking a potential 20‑year milestone for the city.