Expansion possible? Seattle group willing to privately finance new arena

[LarBrd33]

Some recent news has some people here in Seattle cautiously optimistic.

On October 13th reports came out that NBA Expansion is being discussed in the new CBA:  http://www.sonicsrising.com/2016/10/13/13264264/multiple-sources-nba-expansion-seattle

Couple sources were quoted as saying:

    "If Seattle had a new building, they would pass expansion."

    "An hour after Seattle approves their arena, they’d have an offer in hand."

There had been some issues with the city council approving some details of the Seattle investment group's arena plan.  But today news came out that the group is now willing to privately finance the entire arena:  http://www.king5.com/news/local/seattle/seattle-arena-group-offers-to-privately-finance-arena-fix-lander/341564181

That could be enough for the city council to change their mind.  And maybe Seattle might actually get a team. 

FWIW, I saw this on twitter.  Here's what a division breakdown of a 32 Team NBA could possibly look like if they expanded to Seattle and Las Vegas.   They have the Timberwolves moving to the Eastern Conference.  As a Celtic fan, I wouldn't be too thrilled with having to go through Karl Towns every year, but I'd be excited about having a team in Seattle again.

[gift]

It will be cool to see Seattle with a team again.

[jpotter33]

I think expansion is a great idea. I'd love for one of St Louis or Pittsburgh to get a team, which I think both were mentioned as possible expansion team locations on that report, iirc. Both are excellent sports towns with passionate fan bases, especially regarding the Cardinals and Steelers.

[PhoSita]

I'm all for it.

[MBunge]

I welcome expansion but I have to think they'd look to add an East and a West franchise, rather than just two more out west.  And while Minny should be an East team, I can't imagine they'd break up the Boston/Philly/New York grouping.  Seattle/St. Louis would appear to be the deal, given that the Rams just left for LA.

Mike

[D Dub]

I welcome expansion but I have to think they'd look to add an East and a West franchise, rather than just two more out west.  And while Minny should be an East team, I can't imagine they'd break up the Boston/Philly/New York grouping.  Seattle/St. Louis would appear to be the deal, given that the Rams just left for LA.

Mike

Agreed.  Would rather see Toronto go to the central with NO coming east instead of Minny.

Bos / NYK / Nets / Philly
Chi / Tor / Det / Milw
Clev / DC / Ind / Char
Mia / Orl / Atl + New Orleans

Mem / Dal / SA / Hou
OKC / Min / Den / Uta
Port / GS / Sac + Seattle
LA / LA / Phx + Vegas

[ManUp]

Water down the league some more? no thank you.

[Evantime34]

On one hand, I'd be happy to see basketball back in Seattle.

On the other hand couldn't we only protect 8 players on our roster? I'd be sad to lose someone from the team, without getting anything back.

[Csfan1984]

Water down the league some more? no thank you.

+1

[Ilikesports17]

I welcome expansion but I have to think they'd look to add an East and a West franchise, rather than just two more out west.  And while Minny should be an East team, I can't imagine they'd break up the Boston/Philly/New York grouping.  Seattle/St. Louis would appear to be the deal, given that the Rams just left for LA.

Mike

Yeah agreed on Boston/Philly/New York I think Toronto would get the boot to the Central.

Ultimately Id rather not see any expansion.

[Big333223]

The league is in a pretty good place right now, talent-wise, but I don't like the idea of diluting it with another team.

Seattle probably deserves a team, though. They should just get Sacramento's team, they're not using it.

[BDeCosta26]

I am 1000% behind this. The NBA is the most up and coming of all the major sports, and with the quality of players in the leagues fringe, they likely have the talent pool to make it possible.

Seattle was robbed of their team and that great basketball town deserves to have it back. I wouldn't put the other in Vegas though, I'd shoot for Louisville or St.Louis

[mmmmm]

I want the Sonics back so bad that I'm afraid to even comment on the possibility of it finally happening.

[GC003332]

Some folks believe that Sam Hinkie would make an interesting choice for GM if Seattle managed to get a new team , him having a blank canvas to work on, the possibilities are endless.

[LarBrd33]

Some folks believe that Sam Hinkie would make an interesting choice for GM if Seattle managed to get a new team , him having a blank canvas to work on, the possibilities are endless.

his assets-collection abilities are indisputable.  But expansion teams will be in tank mode for a few years regardless of who is running them.