The possibility of the NBA returning to Seattle has been a topic of much speculation in recent years. After the Seattle SuperSonics left for Oklahoma City in 2008, many fans have been hoping for a return of the NBA to the Emerald City. While nothing is certain yet, there have been some developments that suggest the possibility of the NBA’s return to Seattle.
The first development is the recent purchase of the Sacramento Kings by a Seattle-based investment group. The group, led by Chris Hansen and Steve Ballmer, has made it clear that their intention is to move the team to Seattle and rename them the SuperSonics. While the NBA has yet to approve the move, it is a positive sign that the league is at least considering the possibility of a return to Seattle.
The second development is the construction of a new arena in Seattle. The arena, which is being funded by Hansen and Ballmer, is expected to be completed in 2017 and would provide a suitable home for an NBA team. The arena is also expected to host other events such as concerts and conventions, which could help generate additional revenue for the city.
Finally, there is the issue of an expansion team. While the NBA has not officially announced any plans for expansion, there have been rumors that Seattle could be in line for an expansion team if the Kings move is approved. This could be a great opportunity for Seattle to get back into the NBA and would likely generate a lot of excitement among fans.
At this point, it is still too early to tell if the NBA will return to Seattle. However, the recent developments suggest that it is a real possibility and one that many fans are eagerly awaiting. With a new arena being built and potential expansion on the horizon, there is reason to believe that the NBA could be back in Seattle sooner rather than later.