by Julia Pierrepont III
LOS ANGELES, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Monday afternoon, in what is widely seen as a pivotal step in ongoing efforts to bring the SuperSonics back to Seattle.
A spokesperson for Ferguson, quoted by local KIRO 7 news channel after the meeting, described the discussion as "productive" and reiterated that bringing back the Sonics remains a "priority" for the governor.
Neither the governor's office nor the NBA has released an official statement following the meeting. However, media coverage has largely interpreted the silence as deliberate and consistent with the current stage of the expansion process.
The meeting took place just days ahead of the NBA Board's annual meetings scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in New York City, drawing nationwide attention.
Sports business analysts said Monday's discussion forms part of broader behind-the-scenes efforts to assess whether Seattle and Washington state are prepared to support a franchise if expansion is approved.
League owners are expected to consider whether to formally initiate the expansion process. ESPN and other media outlets have reported that Seattle and Las Vegas are the only two markets under active consideration if the league votes to move ahead with expansion.
Ferguson told reporters last Thursday that the state could play a supportive role should an expansion franchise materialize. He stressed that he has consistently conveyed to league officials that the state stands ready to assist, adding that bringing back the Sonics is a personal priority.
The governor has frequently spoken of his deep connection to the former franchise, recalling his childhood fandom and memories of watching iconic players such as Slick Watts, Jack Sikma and Dennis Johnson.
He said he attended Lenny Wilkens' basketball camps several times and understands the emotional impact of the team's departure on the city, noting that he has sought to convey that sense of loss to others involved in the discussions to underscore the franchise's significance to the community.
Ahead of the meeting, Ferguson also said his intention in meeting Commissioner Silver would be "primarily to listen," in hopes of learning whatever the commissioner was willing to share.
While expansion into Seattle and Las Vegas could boost overall league revenue, Ferguson acknowledged that some team owners may be reluctant to dilute their shares by adding two franchises, which would bring the league total to 32 teams. He added that he has not personally lobbied NBA owners in support of expansion.
He also rejected claims that Washington's newly enacted tax on wealthy residents could deter professional sports teams or athletes from relocating to the state. He cited California as an example, noting that high taxes there have not prevented top players such as Steph Curry from earning substantial salaries and securing lucrative endorsement deals.
Seattle's bid has been strengthened in recent years by the completion of Climate Pledge Arena, which replaced the outdated KeyArena and now serves as home to the NHL's Kraken and the WNBA's Storm. Multiple reports describe the venue as fully NBA-ready, removing a key obstacle that had hindered previous efforts to restore the franchise.
The SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, a move that remains a defining moment in Seattle's sports history. Since then, several attempts to revive the franchise have fallen short, most notably in 2013 when the Sacramento Kings ultimately stayed in California. Analysts say the current expansion cycle represents the most realistic opportunity yet for the NBA to return to Seattle. ■
