NEW YORK — The NBA may be on the verge of returning the Sonics to Seattle.
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Wednesday morning, the NBA Board of Governors, made up of league owners, approved the exploration of expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, saying it has hired PJT Partners to evaluate prospective markets, ownership groups, and arenas.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is expected to address reporters later Wednesday morning. We’ll carry it live on air, online, and on our YouTube page.
RELATED | Potential Sonics return would heal longstanding open wound for Seattle
The Sonics left Seattle in 2008, and there have been stops and starts along the way, but this is the strongest sign yet that the league is interested in returning, finally.
City and state leaders released statements following the announcement.
“Yes! The debate for NBA expansion has begun! Seattle will be front and center in that debate,” Cantwell said.
For two decades, Washingtonians have mourned the loss of our Sonics. Today’s vote is a milestone in the effort to bring NBA basketball back home.“The time is right. The state-of-the-art Climate Pledge Arena already hosts professional basketball and hockey with the Storm, Kraken, and Torrent in front of a dedicated fanbase. And we know we have the best fans in the NBA.Bringing the Sonics back is a top priority, and the state will be a strong partner in this effort. I plan to be there at tipoff with thousands of fellow fans when the Sonics return.
-Gov. Bob Ferguson
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