Gov. Bob Ferguson talks with NBA commissioner as expansion decision looms for Seattle

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks prior to Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball series between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson held a virtual meeting with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Thursday to discuss potential league expansion in Seattle.

The discussion follows recent reports that Seattle may not be a guaranteed lock for a new franchise.

Several parties are considering bidding for the new franchise.

One bid proposes playing games at Climate Pledge Arena, while another envisions building a new stadium on the Tulalip reservation.

Gov. Ferguson’s office confirmed the governor’s continued focus on bringing professional basketball back to Washington.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Governor sent the following statement to KIRO 7:

“This afternoon, the Governor had another good conversation with Commissioner Adam Silver and appreciates the ongoing dialogue about the potential for NBA expansion in Seattle. As the governor has made clear many times, he’s a die-hard Sonics fan from childhood. He grew up attending Sonics games and the Lenny Wilkens Basketball Camp. He’s committed to bringing the Sonics home.”

Stan Emert, executive director of sports management at the University of Washington Milgard School of Business, explained that existing team owners will focus heavily on financial returns when evaluating prospective markets.

“The governor is going to have to help sell the commissioner and all of the owners on the numbers that Seattle can drive. Those numbers are certainly going to be viewership, but that’s not what is going to make it that appealing to the existing owners. They’re looking for both short-term and long-term revenue,” Emert said.

Emert noted that expansion fees may need to offset the diluted television revenue share, adding, “Well, anything can be negotiated, but it usually is about how much you are able to write your check for.”

Emert did highlight a $76 billion deal that the NBA made for broadcast rights that will span 11 years.

That deal kicked in during the 2025-26 NBA season.

Despite his support as a fan, Emert expressed caution about the outcome.

“I think it’s going to be very difficult, as much as I want to go and watch them play and go to Climate Pledge,” Emert said.

Danny Ball, host of the Iconic Sonics podcast, offered a more optimistic perspective on the negotiations.

“Overall, I would say cautiously optimistic,” Ball said.

He downplayed reports suggesting competing international markets might bypass Seattle.

“But that’s how any business deal kind of goes. So, I still feel very optimistic. I don’t think Mexico City is a real threat to Seattle,” Ball said.

Ball also suggested that restoring the team would mark a significant achievement for the league’s leadership.

“I think Adam Silver could use a win on his resume, right?… honestly, like if you look at how he’s run the league overall since he’s come in, this would be a nice kind of bow on top of his career,” Ball said.

A decision regarding a winning bid for a Las Vegas franchise could be announced soon.

Silver has previously indicated that a decision on overall league expansion could occur within the year.

Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.