MOHAI is planning a major Seattle-basketball exhibit called “Sonic Boom — Seattle hoops, history and heart,” scheduled to open March 27, 2027 and run through Sept. 19, 2027.
The Seattle Times reported that the Museum of History & Industry is sorting through more than 5,000 Sonics-related artifacts for the project. The planned exhibit is not an NBA expansion announcement and does not establish that a future Seattle franchise has been awarded. It is a museum project built around the city’s basketball history.
A Seattle basketball story larger than one franchise
According to the report, the exhibit is planned to begin with basketball in Seattle before the Sonics arrived, including Seattle University’s place in that history. From there, it will move through the NBA’s arrival, the Sonics’ cultural impact, the 1978–79 championship era, the 1990s teams and a final section on current Seattle basketball.
That current section is expected to include the Seattle Storm, youth and high-school programs, and Seattle-area men’s and women’s players who became professional standouts. The final exhibit plan was still being developed when the Times published its report, so the museum’s schedule and displayed objects should be understood as planned rather than final.
Artifacts under review
The Times identified several examples of artifacts likely to be part of the display: the 1995–96 Western Conference championship banner, locker name plates for Luke Ridnour and Chris Wilcox, and Sonics jerseys from several eras. The collection also includes framed jerseys associated with Fred Brown, Nate McMillan and Gus Williams, according to the report.
MOHAI’s planned exhibit gives the public a new way to see the history that remained connected to Seattle after the 2008 move. Readers who want the legal context for the team identity can also explore what the settlement meant for the Sonics name and legacy.
What remains unconfirmed
The confirmed update is the museum’s reported plan for an exhibit with scheduled 2027 dates and a broad Seattle-basketball scope. Its opening date, closing date and final artifact list could still change as planning continues. The article does not treat the exhibit as evidence that the NBA has approved expansion or that a SuperSonics return is guaranteed.