SuperSonics return takes another step as NBA expansion process moves forward

The NBA still hasn’t officially said it’s expanding.

But if you’re waiting for the Seattle SuperSonics to return, there continue to be signs that this is becoming a lot more than talk.

According to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, prospective ownership groups interested in Seattle and Las Vegas were recently asked to provide financial information to the league and PJT Partners, the firm assisting the NBA with its expansion study.

That included potential investors and, importantly, how much they’re prepared to pay.

The price won’t be small. Vorkunov reported that the NBA has indicated expansion fees could land somewhere between $7 billion and $10 billion per team. Las Vegas could approach the top of that range, while Seattle is expected to come in considerably lower.

There’s another wrinkle. Las Vegas appears to be slightly ahead in the process.

A second deadline for Vegas bidders is coming in September, while one hasn’t yet been established for Seattle. Industry sources told Vorkunov they believe the NBA will select a Las Vegas owner first.

As for Seattle, Kraken owner Samantha Holloway is the only known bidder so far, though commissioner Adam Silver has said other groups have expressed interest.

None of this guarantees the Sonics are coming back. It does, however, look like the NBA is getting closer to deciding whether somebody gets to bring them back.

The league’s Board of Governors meets next month, and Silver has said he hopes to have a final decision on whether to proceed with expansion by the end of 2026.

For Seattle, it’s been a wait since 2008. What’s a few more months?