Sonics’ return still has hurdles, but Adam Silver’s comments offer some encouragement

Seattle fans have heard enough about what might happen. They’d understandably prefer to hear that the SuperSonics are coming back.

There’s no announcement to celebrate yet. But after a report raised questions about Seattle’s place in the NBA’s expansion plans, commissioner Adam Silver offered a somewhat more encouraging public assessment.

During an Oct. 20 appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Silver continued to identify Seattle and Las Vegas as the cities under active discussion. He described Mexico City as a possibility further down the road, rather than an immediate plan, as Seattle Sports detailed⁠. 

“Seattle has a great arena. There’s a great NBA tradition there. So we’re looking closely at returning to Seattle,” Silver said. 

That doesn’t guarantee anything. It does offer some perspective after ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the league wanted stronger bids from Seattle and that expansion there was no longer viewed as a lock.

As we covered previously⁠, the concern centered on the money, with Seattle’s offers trailing the bidding competition in Las Vegas. Windhorst still leaned toward an eventual Sonics return. 

The calendar now becomes part of the story. Silver has repeatedly identified the end of 2026 as the goal for an expansion decision. November has arrived, giving fans a reason to watch for something more definite over the next two months. A decision, of course, would come well before a team actually takes the floor. 

Seattle also has an advantage that shouldn’t get lost in the bidding discussion. Climate Pledge Arena already exists. Silver has praised its readiness for NBA basketball, while prospective Las Vegas ownership groups still have arena questions to settle. 

In other words, Seattle has already handled a major piece of the work. The league and prospective owners still have to agree on the business.

Nobody should mistake encouraging comments for an approved franchise. But fans also don’t need to treat every negotiating wrinkle as evidence that the opportunity is disappearing.

The useful question now is whether the NBA meets its own stated goal for a decision. Seattle has spent enough seasons waiting. An answer before the next calendar year would be a welcome change.

MORE HOOPS | NBA needs to quit playing games and bring back the Sonics⁠