Seattle is Ready to Welcome the Sonics Home

Mayor Wilson Responds to NBA Vote

Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson responded to NBA vote to take the next critical and defining step towards potential expansion in Seattle:

“Seattle can't wait to welcome our Sonics back home. The city is ready, the fans are ready, the arena is ready, and I could not be more excited about what's next.”

The mayor also shared a video on social media celebrating the fact that we've been preparing and Seattle’s ready to take our shot.

Seattle is Ready to Welcome the Sonics Home

Mayor and City Council Share Resolution Affirming Seattle’s Readiness for the Return of the NBA

Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson and members of the Seattle City Council today shared a joint resolution affirming Seattle’s readiness to welcome back our Seattle SuperSonics, and affirming that Climate Pledge Arena is fully prepared to serve as the team’s home.

The resolution reflects a unified commitment from City leadership and builds on Seattle’s legacy as one of the nation’s premier basketball cities—highlighting a world-class arena, a strong and growing economy, deep labor partnerships, and a thriving basketball culture from youth leagues to the professional level.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment, as the NBA Board of Governors is expected to consider a vote to initiate a formal expansion process—an important step that could position Seattle for the return of the SuperSonics.

“Seattle is ready to welcome the Sonics home,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “We never stopped being a basketball city, and the fans have never given up. You see it in our parks, in our schools, in packed gyms in every neighborhood, and our Seattle Storm championships. We built a world-class arena. We have a strong economy and a dedicated workforce. We are prepared, we are united, and we are ready for next chapter of our Sonics.”

The resolution highlights several key factors that make Seattle uniquely positioned for NBA expansion, including:

• Climate Pledge Arena as a state-of-the-art, 100% privately financed facility designed for NBA play

• A highly skilled workforce that built and operates the arena

• A robust and innovative economy capable of sustaining long-term franchise success

• A strong pipeline of basketball talent through youth, grassroots, high school, and collegiate programs

• Deep and enduring community support for the return of the Seattle SuperSonics

Today’s resolution positions Seattle to capitalize on the NBA’s anticipated expansion and reaffirms the City’s commitment to working with the league and regional partners to bring the NBA back to Seattle.

“This resolution is about more than bringing back a team. It is about restoring a piece of Seattle’s identity,” said Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1). “For decades, the Seattle SuperSonics were a source of pride, unity, and global recognition for our city. Today, we are making it clear that Seattle is ready: ready with a world-class facility in Climate Pledge Arena, ready with one of the strongest markets in the country, and ready to partner with the NBA to create a robust 32-team league.

We have the fans, the history, and the infrastructure. What we’re affirming here is our commitment to work across city, county, and state lines to bring the Sonics home and ensure their long-term success. This is about honoring our history while building an even stronger future for Seattle sports and culture.I would like to thank Mayor Wilson and her staff for their collaboration on this resolution. Go Sonics!”

"This week’s NBA vote is a pivotal moment for Seattle, years in the making,” said Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7). “We're a sports town, full stop. Our fans are fiercely dedicated to both men’s and women’s athletics. Now is the time to bridge the glaring gap in our sports landscape and bring the NBA back where it belongs! I’m can't wait to see the SuperSonics return home to the heart of Queen Anne at Climate Pledge Arena."

With this resolution, Seattle is coming together to make clear: the city is ready, the arena is ready, and the community is ready.

Now, Seattle looks ahead with hope and confidence that the next chapter of NBA basketball will once again be written here.

Councilmember Saka will bring the resolution for discussion at the next meeting of the Council’s Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee on April 2, 2026.