Gary Payton Backs Seattle Return as NBA Expansion Moves Closer

Seattle’s long wait for an NBA team could finally be nearing its end, and SuperSonics legend Gary Payton believes the city is getting closer to bringing basketball back.

Payton recently revealed that he is connected to a prospective ownership group working to secure an NBA expansion franchise in Seattle. The Hall of Famer made the comments after coaching the Boston Ball Hogs to the 2026 BIG3 championship.

Payton Confirms Ownership Group Is Working

Speaking about the possibility of Seattle returning to the NBA, Payton said he and former Seattle Mariners star Ken Griffey Jr. remain very close and are connected to the effort.

Payton did not identify all the members of the group, but said the immediate priority is to get an NBA franchise back in Seattle before deciding who will ultimately hold ownership roles.

The comments come as the NBA formally evaluates expansion opportunities in Seattle and Las Vegas. The league’s Board of Governors approved the exploration of both markets earlier this year.

Seattle Could Get the SuperSonics Back

The SuperSonics left Seattle in 2008 and became the Oklahoma City Thunder, ending a four-decade run in the city.

Seattle, however, retained the SuperSonics name, colours and much of the franchise’s historical identity as part of the agreement surrounding the relocation. That means a new Seattle expansion team could potentially revive the iconic SuperSonics identity from the beginning.

Payton spent 13 seasons with the SuperSonics and remains one of the most important players in franchise history. He is the team’s career leader in points, assists and steals.

Payton Wants His Son and Kevin Durant Back

Payton also discussed the possibility of Gary Payton II eventually playing for a revived Seattle franchise.

He believes his son would be eager to return to his hometown, while he also mentioned Kevin Durant, who began his NBA career with the SuperSonics before the franchise moved to Oklahoma City.

Payton suggested that if both players are available when a Seattle franchise arrives, the team could try to bring them back.

NBA Expansion Could Happen by 2028–29

The NBA is targeting a decision on expansion by the end of 2026, according to Commissioner Adam Silver. Seattle and Las Vegas are currently the two markets under formal consideration, and multiple ownership groups have reportedly expressed interest.

If approved, the new teams are expected to begin play around the 2028–29 season.

That timeline would give Seattle fans a realistic chance of seeing the SuperSonics return approximately 20 years after the franchise departed.

A Stronger Ownership Race

Seattle’s expansion bid is becoming increasingly competitive. Several groups are reportedly interested, while the league continues evaluating potential ownership, arena infrastructure and financial plans.

A publicly announced proposal involving BlackSun Private Equity, Native World Sports and other regional partners is among the groups seeking to bring the SuperSonics back.

The Bottom Line

Gary Payton’s latest comments add another significant voice to Seattle’s NBA expansion push.

The NBA has not yet awarded a franchise, but Seattle is officially under consideration, ownership groups are emerging and the league hopes to complete the expansion process by the end of 2026.

For Payton and generations of SuperSonics fans, the possibility of seeing the iconic green-and-gold franchise back on an NBA court is becoming more realistic than it has been in years.