NBA to Vote on Seattle Sonics Expansion Team The NBA is set to vote on whether to bring back the Seattle Sonics as an expansion team, marking a potential return to the city after 18 years. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the league’s Board of Governors will hold a vote on March 24-25 to explore adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas. If approved, the expansion would target the 2028-29 NBA season, with a growing number of owners now supporting the move. Charania emphasized that Seattle and Las Vegas’ market appeal, combined with a “parity-friendly collective bargaining agreement,” could create a strong purchase market for new franchises. The vote represents the first step in expanding the league to 32 teams. A final decision is expected later this year, requiring 23 of 30 governors to approve. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has previously stated that a decision on expansion will be made by the end of 2026. In December, Silver confirmed the league is evaluating both Seattle and Las Vegas, while also considering other markets. He cautioned against speculation, noting the process has been discussed for years. The absence of the NBA in Seattle since 2008 has been a topic of discussion. The Sonics were relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, where they became the Thunder. Seattle’s hopes for a return were bolstered by the opening of Climate Pledge Arena in 2022, built on the site of the former Key Arena. The arena now hosts the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and is seen as a key factor in attracting the NBA back. The SuperSonics’ legacy includes their 1979 NBA Finals victory over the Washington Bullets, Seattle’s first major pro sports championship. Adding teams to Seattle and Las Vegas would require significant financial investment, with expansion fees potentially exceeding $6 billion.#shams_charania #nba #adam_silver #climate_pledge_arena #seattle_sonics
NBA Set for First Vote on Las Vegas-Seattle Expansion The National Basketball Association is preparing to hold its first vote on expanding into Las Vegas and Seattle, according to sources. The decision will take place during the board of governors meetings next week, with the two new franchises expected to begin play in the 2028-29 season. The vote marks a critical step in the league’s plan to add teams to its roster, which currently stands at 30. Industry insiders indicate strong support within the league office and among the governors for moving forward with the expansion. Proposals for the new teams are projected to range between $7 billion and $10 billion each, with both markets anticipated to rank among the NBA’s top revenue-generating destinations. The appeal of Las Vegas and Seattle, combined with the league’s current collective bargaining agreement that promotes competitive balance, is expected to create a lucrative environment for potential buyers. This initial vote will focus solely on Las Vegas and Seattle, allowing the league to initiate a bidding process for the franchises. A subsequent vote later in the year will determine the final approval for the expansion, bringing the total number of teams to 32. To pass either vote, at least 23 of the 30 governors must approve the proposal. While many owners support the expansion due to the long-term financial benefits from the Las Vegas and Seattle markets, some remain cautious. Concerns include the potential dilution of individual ownership stakes, as league equity would shift from 1/30 to 1/32. These owners are also seeking final bid valuations and franchise fees before committing to the expansion. The NBA’s expansion plans are not without precedent. The National Hockey League recently added teams to both Las Vegas (Golden Knights, 2017) and Seattle (Kraken, 2021).#las_vegas #nba #adam_silver #seattle #climate_pledge_arena
NBA Cancels Atlanta Hawks' Planned Magic City Tribute Night The National Basketball Association has canceled the Atlanta Hawks' scheduled promotional event, known as "Magic City Monday," which was set to take place on March 16. The decision was made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who stated that the cancellation was the right choice for the broader NBA community. The event, which was intended to celebrate the long-standing connection between the Hawks and the iconic Atlanta strip club Magic City, had been planned as a collaboration between the team and the establishment. The original promotion was set to include a live performance by Atlanta native rapper T.I., along with food and merchandise offerings. Visitors to the event would have been able to sample two versions of Magic City’s famous chicken wings and purchase a commemorative hoodie. The Hawks had previously announced the event as a way to honor the club’s decades-long presence in the city. However, the plan faced significant backlash from several NBA players. San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet expressed concerns on his blog, arguing that the event would reflect poorly on the NBA community. He criticized the promotion for potentially being complicit in the objectification and mistreatment of women. Other players, including Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, supported the event, emphasizing its cultural significance. Magic City manager JuJu Barney clarified that the event would not involve nudity, stating that the club’s long history in Atlanta made the collaboration a natural fit. Despite this, Silver said he had reached out to the Hawks to better understand the event’s details. While he acknowledged the team’s intent to celebrate the club’s legacy, he cited "significant concerns" as the reason for the cancellation.#nba #adam_silver #atlanta_hawks #magic_city #luke_kornet
