By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

Return of Sonics one step closer after  NBA Board of Governors vote

The NBA Board of Governors voted to move forward with exploring expansion teams in Seattle and Las Vegas.  The move means that the Sonics are one step closer to returning to the Emerald City. The unanimous vote by all 30  owners brought a much-awaited yell from the Puget Sound Region, which has been patiently waiting for the return of the Sonics.

NEXT STEPS

“Today’s vote reflects our Board’s interest in exploring potential expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle — two markets with a long history of support for NBA basketball,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement Wednesday. “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.”  

The potential revenue from Seattle and   Las Vegas was the main reason the two sites were selected. The decision on potential revenue from the two cities was based on the success of their NHL franchises.  Both cities entered the NHL in 2017 and have had financial success driven by loyal and rabid fan bases. The owners are looking for the same return as the proposed teams.

LONG WAY TO GO BUT  BUILDING BLOCKS IN PLACE

Each potential is projected to be north of $7 billion, which would go straight to the owners and not be shared with the players. Multiple sources have indicated owners are receptive to the potential financial windfall. The next step will be for owners to examine the bids from Seattle and Vegas in the next several months.  If approved by 23 of the 30 owners, the next step would be a vote on when the two teams would enter the league.  The 2028-2029 season is when the two teams are expected to enter the NBA, according to multiple sources.

BELIEVE IT WHEN THEY SEE IT

While the vote is a major step forward, some Sonics fans are skeptical and will not believe it until they see it.  That is the ball tips off at Climate Pledge Arena. For the eternal optimist, the Sonics are on their way back.

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