Mayorand City Council Share Resolution Affirming Seattle’s Readiness for the Returnof the NBA

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

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

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

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

The resolution highlightsseveral 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 positionsSeattle to capitalize on the NBA’s anticipated expansion and reaffirms theCity’s commitment to working with the league and regional partners to bring theNBA back to Seattle.

“This resolution is aboutmore than bringing back a team. It is about restoring a piece of Seattle’sidentity,” said Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1). “For decades,the Seattle SuperSonics were a source of pride, unity, and global recognitionfor our city. Today, we are making it clear that Seattle is ready: ready with aworld-class facility in Climate Pledge Arena, ready with one of the strongestmarkets in the country, and ready to partner with the NBA to create a robust32-team league.

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

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

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

Now, Seattle looks aheadwith hope and confidence that the next chapter of NBA basketball will onceagain be written here.

Councilmember Saka willbring the resolution for discussion at the next meeting of the Council’sTransportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee on April 2, 2026.