The NBA's unanimous vote to explore expansion is the beginning of a process, not the end. Here's what the road to the 2028–29 season looks like.
September 2026 — Board of Governors Meeting
The next scheduled owners meeting is the most important date on the near-term calendar. Silver has indicated this is when the league will provide its next substantive update on the expansion process. A vote on expansion could happen here — or the league could schedule an additional fall meeting if September proves too soon.
Late 2026 — Expansion Vote
Silver's stated goal is to finalize the expansion decision before the end of 2026. If the vote passes, the league will formally award franchises to Seattle and/or Las Vegas. This is the moment Seattle fans have been waiting for.
2027 — Franchise Setup
With the franchise awarded, the new ownership group will begin building the organization from scratch: hiring a president of basketball operations, a general manager, a coaching staff, and a full front office. The team will also begin selling season tickets — expect a waiting list of historic proportions in Seattle.
Spring 2028 — Expansion Draft
The new franchise will participate in an expansion draft, selecting players from existing NBA rosters. Each current team will be allowed to protect a set number of players; the expansion team selects from those left unprotected. This gives the new Sonics an immediate roster to build around.
June 2028 — NBA Draft
The new franchise will also participate in the NBA Draft, likely with favorable lottery odds. This is where the foundation of the team's long-term future gets built.
October 2028 — Opening Night
The Seattle SuperSonics tip off their first game. Climate Pledge Arena sells out in seconds. Eighteen years of waiting ends with a tip-off.