Governor Meets NBA Commissioner as Sonics Return Bid Faces Complications

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson met virtually with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to advocate for bringing the SuperSonics back to Seattle as the league weighs expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, with a decision expected by year’s end. Ferguson has held several conversations with Silver and says Seattle has a strong bid and a suitable arena. Seattle appears to have one leading ownership group, headed by Kraken majority owner Samantha Holloway, while Las Vegas has multiple bidders; reports say the NBA may be less satisfied with Seattle’s bids and owners may question whether the city’s expansion fee would justify the investment. Rising franchise valuations and the arena’s existing ownership arrangements could further complicate Seattle’s bid, leaving the Sonics’ return uncertain.