WASHINGTON GOVERNOR Bob Ferguson has held an introductory meeting with National Basketball Association (NBA) commissioner Adam Silver as the league moves closer to a decision on expansion that could include Seattle, according to King 5.
NBA spokesman Mike Bass confirmed the conversation, saying Ferguson initiated the call to introduce himself to Silver and discuss the Seattle market.
The governor’s office said Ferguson, who grew up attending Seattle SuperSonics games and took part in Lenny Wilkens’ basketball camp as a child, offered his support in efforts to bring the team back.
Silver said in December that the NBA expects to decide on domestic expansion in 2026, providing the clearest timeline yet as the league considers increasing from 30 to 32 teams. Speaking ahead of the NBA Cup final in Las Vegas, he said both Seattle and Las Vegas remain under serious consideration.
Seattle has been without an NBA franchise since the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, following a settlement between the city and the ownership group that resolved a legal dispute over the team’s KeyArena lease.
Expansion has been under discussion for several years, with Silver stressing that the league is cautious about raising expectations in any one market. However, he described both Seattle and Las Vegas as strong candidates, pointing to Seattle’s NBA heritage and the league’s existing presence in Las Vegas through the WNBA’s Aces.
