NBA Expansion: Adam Silver says Seattle SuperSonics return 'no longer a lock'
NBA expansion decision still expected by end of year
While the recent conversations over NBA expansion teams seem to be focused on Las Vegas, commissioner Adam Silver gave another update on the league's potential return to Seattle.
SEATTLE - The long-awaited return of SuperSonics basketball to Seattle may face a delay as the National Basketball Association puts pressure on local investment groups to raise their expansion offers, according to a report.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver informed team owners at a recent Board of Governors meeting that a Seattle expansion franchise is no longer a guaranteed lock. Instead, Silver introduced the possibility of an expansion franchise in Mexico City, where an ownership group has presented a proposal for a team and a new arena district.
What we know:
The NBA has long been expected to target Las Vegas and Seattle as its top choices for league expansion. However, stark financial gaps have emerged between the bidding markets.
Las Vegas is embroiled in a bidding war that could drive its expansion fee to $10 billion. By contrast, Seattle’s leading bid group, headed by Seattle Kraken co-owner Samantha Holloway, has submitted a lower offer of roughly $6 billion. Unlike competitors, the Seattle group already controls a turn-key, NBA-ready facility in Climate Pledge Arena.
What we don't know:
It is also unknown whether Seattle's local ownership group will adjust its valuation or hold firm on its initial offer.
What's next:
While league officials previously hinted at potential expansion announcements before the end of the year, negotiations around franchise price tags could push back the official timeline.
The NBA's Board of Governors will continue reviewing proposals, with Seattle's ownership group facing a choice on whether to increase its bid to secure the return of professional basketball.
The Source: Information in this story came from a report from ESPN's Brian Windhorst and previous coverage from FOX 13 Seattle.
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