SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - On October 10, 2023, fans gathered at Climate Pledge Arena for the Rain City Showcase, a preseason NBA game featuring the LA Clippers and the Utah Jazz. Among them was a passionate supporter holding a sign advocating for the return of the Seattle Supersonics, a franchise that once thrived in the city.
In a significant development, the Tulalip Tribe has confirmed its involvement in discussions regarding a bid to reinstate the Supersonics in Western Washington, potentially with a new stadium located in Marysville, on or near tribal land. This initiative follows reports that the private equity firm BlackSun has already submitted a proposal to bring an NBA franchise back to the region.
The return of the Supersonics would resonate deeply with the local community, which has longed for the franchise's revival since it relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. The Tulalip Tribe expressed its enthusiasm for participating in this endeavor, emphasizing the importance of sports in fostering community ties and enhancing entertainment options for tribal members and the surrounding area.
Hazen Shopbell, the Chairman of the Tulalip Tribes, articulated the tribe's excitement in a statement: "The Tulalip Tribes is excited to be part of the effort to bring the Supersonics home. Basketball is near and dear to us. Over the years, sports have given us a place to belong and come together during good and hard times." He further noted that the tribe aims to diversify its economic opportunities while benefiting the broader Snohomish County community.
Longtime Supersonics fan Kathleen Groen, who moved to the Seattle area in the 1970s, reminisced about the team's championship history, recalling the emotional highs and lows of following the franchise. Groen highlighted the need for improved transportation infrastructure to facilitate fan access to Marysville, suggesting that light rail improvements would be essential for fans traveling from Seattle.
"I would say they have to do something with light rail and traffic in order to do it, because it’s almost unfeasible to think about coming up here," Groen remarked. She also pointed out that Climate Pledge Arena remains a viable option for hosting games, given its central location in Seattle.
Adding to the conversation, Danny Ball, host of the Iconic Sonics podcast, raised concerns about potential administrative hurdles related to the NBA's regulations on team locations. He noted that the Sonics' headquarters must be within Seattle city limits, a stipulation that could complicate plans for a new stadium in Marysville. Ball referenced the Philadelphia 76ers as an exception, being the only NBA team with a two-state presence, maintaining a practice facility in New Jersey while playing games in Philadelphia.
Ball emphasized the unique atmosphere of sporting events held within city limits, contrasting it with venues located far from urban centers. He also speculated that the return of the Supersonics could coincide with the establishment of a G-League team, potentially in Tacoma, where the franchise played a season in 1995. However, he acknowledged that cities like Everett and Marysville could also be considered for hosting a minor league team.
As discussions continue, the Tulalip Tribe's involvement in this bid represents a significant step toward potentially reviving a beloved franchise and reinvigorating the local sports culture in Washington.
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