Seattle has never stopped loving basketball.

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Long after the final buzzer sounded in green and gold, the memories never left. Shawn Kemp dunks shaking KeyArena. Gary Payton talking from baseline to baseline. Kids growing up in oversized Sonics jerseys. Entire generations tying Seattle basketball to identity, culture, and community.

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Now, as momentum around NBA expansion continues to build, the Seattle Sports Commission is helping keep that spirit alive through #BringEmBackFridays, an ongoing social media initiative dedicated to celebrating the history, culture, and fan passion surrounding the Seattle SuperSonics and the anticipated return of NBA basketball to the city.

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More than just a weekly graphic series, #BringEmBackFridays is designed to be a community-driven love letter to Seattle basketball. Every Friday, the campaign spotlights Sonics legends, unforgettable moments, fan memories, artwork, nostalgia, and the voices that have continued carrying the torch for the franchise long after its departure.

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The initiative also aims to collaborate directly with the community that has kept Sonics culture alive over the years. Seattle Sports Commission is actively engaging with local artists, designers, photographers, collectors, content creators, and fan-led platforms to help amplify the movement collectively across the city and online.

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Among those collaborators is @NBASeattleFans, one of the most active and passionate digital communities advocating for the NBA’s return to Seattle. The campaign also hopes to continue building relationships with influential Sonics-focused platforms like @iconicsonics, whose around-the-clock dedication to preserving Sonics history and culture has become part of the fabric of Seattle basketball fandom.

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“This movement is for the fans who lived it, the next generation (like me) who never got the chance to, and everyone who still believes Seattle deserves its NBA team back,” said SSC Marketing Communications Contractor Johairo “Jo” Lopez, who has helped lead the campaign creatively. “The goal is to continue sharing the stories, the artwork, the energy, and the community passion that makes Seattle one of the strongest basketball cities in the world.”

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As part of the initiative, fans are encouraged to participate by submitting Sonics-inspired artwork, photos, concepts, jerseys, memories, collectibles, and personal stories for a chance to be featured across SSC social platforms throughout the campaign.

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The timing feels especially meaningful as Seattle prepares to welcome the world through a new era of major global sports events, including FIFA World Cup 26™. While the city continues growing its sports footprint internationally, #BringEmBackFridays serves as a reminder that Seattle’s basketball heartbeat has never faded.

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Every Friday, the love letter continues.

Fans interested in participating can follow along and submit work through Seattle Sports Commission social media channels.