Title: NBA Expansion Buzz: Seattle Sonics and Las Vegas Favorites for New Franchises
Key Takeaways:
– Seattle and Las Vegas are favorites to get NBA expansion franchises.
– Mexico City is also a possible contender.
– The Seattle SuperSonics could potentially return by the 2027-28 NBA season.
– The Fenway Sports Group is the leading contender to get the Las Vegas franchise.
Return of Seattle SuperSonics: A Viable Possibility?
Recent NBA whispers hint at the much-overdue return of the SuperSonics to Seattle. According to an ESPN report, Seattle, together with Las Vegas, shines as the favorite locations to receive NBA expansion franchises. This affirmation mirrors the longstanding speculation of the intelligent guesswork within the NBA circle.
Mexico City, however, should not be overlooked. Beyond its status as North America’s most populated city, Mexico’s capital consistently hosts NBA regular-season games since 1992. With 33 games hosted so far, it surmounts any other city outside of the United States and Canada in terms of frequency.
Seattle SuperSonics: The Potential Timeline
The much-awaited return of Seattle SuperSonics to the NBA draws near with a target date around the 2027-28 season. Although there’s a small chance for this to happen earlier by the 2026-27 season, expectations align more with the 2027-28 timeframe. This uncertainty stems from both NBA officials and prospective franchise bidding groups being ambiguous about the timeline.
Despite being an expansion franchise in essence, Seattle’s new team is expected to reclaim the Sonics name from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Oklahoma established their franchise by moving from Seattle and currently hold all Sonics’ records.
The NBA Eyes Seattle and Las Vegas
This report corroborates what Bill Simmons of The Ringer has previously surfed about the NBA’s expansion scope. In a February 2022 podcast, Simmons predicted the NBA’s growth to Seattle and Las Vegas. He hinted at an insider knowledge around the impending expansion.
Simmons disclosed that the Fenway Sports Group showed interest in owning the potential Las Vegas franchise. The group, known for running Liverpool and recently buying the Penguins, is reportedly the front-runner.
Simmons also suggested that basketball superstar LeBron James could be leading the proposed Vegas team. His desire to be an owner coupled with a prominent role in an NBA franchise pave the way for him to be the Las Vegas team’s figurehead.
This twist would not only draw in major expansion fees but also amplify the NBA’s prestige. The addition of basketball giants like LeBron to the executive roll boosts the league’s status and visibility.
In summary, the NBA’s expansion plan, although yet to be firmed up, is becoming increasingly conspicuous. With Seattle, Las Vegas, and possibly Mexico City as the new hotspots for NBA franchises, the ball game seems set for an exciting turn. As fans wait with bated breath, the potential return of the Seattle SuperSonics could be the game-changer that the NBA has been yearning for.