Hall of Fame center Jack Sikma, legend of the Seattle SuperSonics, sat down with the “Saving the Association” podcast, where he discussed the franchise’s relocation to Oklahoma City and Seattle’s hopes of expansion.
It was a significant loss to such a great city like Seattle, renowned for being a passionate, basketball-loving sports town, to lose its SuperSonics. Sonics fans will remember when they drafted Kevin Durant, acquired NBA royalty like Ray Allen, or when they won a title back in 1979 against the Washington Bullets.
They also remember vividly when they lost their NBA franchise in 2008. Their loss was OKC’s gain, as the Thunder are now world champions after winning the 2025 NBA Finals.
Jack Sikma Urges NBA To Bring An NBA Franchise Back To Seattle
Sikma, one of the stars of the Sonics’ title back in 1979, sat down and shared his thoughts on a possible expansion to bring an NBA team back to Seattle, a move that would please many long-time NBA fans as well as Seattle fans. It would also be beneficial to the league due to the large market in that area. The Pacific Northwest has proven it can support professional basketball at the highest level, making the case for expansion even stronger.
Sikma made it clear in the podcast that Oklahoma City didn’t steal the franchise from Seattle. It was very much the Sonics’ doing, he believed.
“Oklahoma City didn’t steal the franchise. Seattle lost it, which was for a number of reasons. There are a number of villains that we could, you know, kick the dog at this guy or that guy, or whatever.”
He also made it clear he holds no ill will towards OKC, but isn’t rooting for their success. The Hall of Famer’s perspective reflects the complex emotions many Seattle fans still feel about the relocation.
“I hold nothing against Oklahoma City and their fans. But I’m not rooting for them,” Sikma said. “Seattle needs a franchise again. And actually, Seattle’s been teased a bit about a franchise because there’s always one other event that has to happen.”
Sikma referenced NBA Commissioner Adam Silver prioritizing getting the NBA’s media deal done, which was agreed in 2024 for the next 11 years, reportedly netting the NBA roughly $76 billion. That massive deal has set the financial foundation for potential expansion discussions.
“I can understand, they needed a new media deal done. They got it done. That helps set a price. We think we’re going to expand, but we don’t know what it’s going to cost. So, I guess we use the term many times, ‘patience.’ That’s what it’s going to come down to. And hopefully, if they do ever decide to expand, Seattle’s near the top of the list, if not the top of the list.”
Silver Signals Expansion Talks Could Begin Soon
Silver has indicated that expansion is being seriously considered, with Las Vegas and Seattle widely regarded as the leading candidates for new franchises.
However, no formal decision has been made, and the league’s owners are expected to discuss the issue at this month’s board of governors meeting in Vegas. Silver was quoted as saying, “I’d say the current sense is we should be exploring it.”
The timing makes sense from a business perspective. With the new media deal locked in and franchise values at all-time highs, expansion fees could reach unprecedented levels. Both Seattle and Las Vegas represent untapped markets with strong corporate support and proven fan bases.
As Sikma points out, it may take more patience. It’s not certain, but there’s growing optimism that Seattle could get a team once again in the future. For a city that produced one of the NBA’s most passionate fan bases, the wait continues.
Nope , Clay Bennett et al stole it with the complicity of Howard Schultz