Jamal Crawford is advising the group led by Samantha Holloway to bring NBA basketball back to Seattle, according to Ramona Shelburne’s ESPN report published November 6, 2026, at 06:13 AM ET. Read the original report.
What Crawford’s role means
Crawford told ESPN he has been working as an adviser to Holloway, whom Shelburne identifies as a Seattle Kraken owner. That places a former Seattle basketball standout inside the effort, not merely among Sonics-return supporters.
The report does not give Crawford’s specific duties, compensation, equity stake or an executive title. The role is not an ownership announcement. Shelburne also reports that Holloway’s company, One Roof Sports & Entertainment, holds a majority share of Climate Pledge Arena, a venue connection relevant to the group’s bid. Coverage of Seattle’s arena lease and potential NBA tenant commitments offers local background.
A Seattle basketball connection
Crawford said his support is rooted in the group’s community vision, not Holloway’s position of power. He told Shelburne he has known Holloway and some Seattle-based partners for years. His Seattle connection began with attending Sonics games and working KeyArena concessions as a youngster.
Shelburne places his involvement alongside his stewardship of Seattle’s Summer Pro-Am. Detlef Schrempf described calls and group texts with former Sonics about helping a team return, while fan organizer Cedric Walker pointed to the Storm, the pro-am and high school basketball as evidence of an enduring local basketball culture. Those conversations show relationships around the bid, but do not establish formal adviser roles for everyone mentioned.
The bid remains under evaluation
The NBA’s March 25 announcement authorized exploration of expansion and evaluation of markets, ownership groups and arenas. It did not award a franchise to Seattle or Holloway, and Crawford’s participation confirms neither an NBA selection nor a start date.
Readers can revisit earlier reporting on Holloway’s publicly known bid for historical context, not as a current declaration that she is the only contender.
Source: Ramona Shelburne, ESPN, November 6, 2026, 06:13 AM ET. Cover image is illustrative basketball photography from Pexels and does not depict the reported person or event.