Seattle has been a basketball city. Since the emergence of Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton in the 1990s, through the heartbreak of the SuperSonics’ loss in 2008, the city has had a long affiliation with the NBA. It is now almost 20 years later and more than ever before a resurgence of professional basketball in the Pacific Northwest seems a possibility. As the expansion of leagues becomes a more serious topic of discussion, bettors and fans are keeping a close eye on it. Sportsbooks have picked up on this, and they are providing odds as to which cities may expand to and Seattle is always within the top two or three.
The absence of the NBA in Seattle has not only left a gap within Seattle’s sports culture, but also within the history of national leagues. The Sonics were an original constituent of the NBA’s identity, one of the few franchises to win a title from a major media market. After they left for Oklahoma City, there has been an even greater demand for them to come back. The pressure from the people, investor interest, and NBA economics have all prompted the league to seriously consider the possibility of returning a team.
This presents an interesting combination of sports nostalgia and financial opportunities for sports bettors. The possibility of NBA expansion has already begun to be priced into betting markets, and the odds of Seattle say it all.
Why the NBA Is Eyeing Expansion
The NBA has become one of the most international and financially successful sports leagues in the world. As television revenue increases and new collective bargaining agreements are reached and interest in international audiences increases, the time may be ripe to expand the number of teams. League Commissioner Adam Silver has not been hesitant about the concept of expansion, particularly in light of the pandemic’s financial effects. The expansion of the league with two new teams would bring billions in expansion fees, providing an immediate cash infusion and long-term revenue possibilities.
The two cities of Seattle and Las Vegas have come out as the most likely candidates for this potential growth. Whereas Las Vegas is fast emerging as a destination of choice by sports teams, Seattle has a history, infrastructure, and a fan base that is eager to spend money on tickets on day one. The new Climate Pledge Arena, which houses the NHL Kraken and WNBA Storm, is NBA-ready. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, among other investors, has reportedly expressed interest, and city officials have maintained open communication with the league.
With this possibility gaining momentum, sportsbooks are now taking bets on the next NBA expansion city. Seattle is listed as the favorite, with odds as short as +150, depending on the book. These are the prices based on the momentum of the bid that the city has as well as the want of fans all around the country to have the green and gold back.
The Betting Market’s View of Seattle’s Chances
Sportsbooks that post odds on expansion markets do so for a reason. They depend on a combination of inside knowledge, precedent, and popular feeling. The fact that a city such as Seattle is quoted as a favorite tends to indicate that the betting market is sensing some concrete evidence of actual movement underground.
There are various factors that bettors need to consider in order to make the best out of such odds and these include: league policy, ownership interest, market size, and political will. Seattle ticks most of the boxes. It is a top-15 media market, has an NBA-quality arena, and has a loyal fan base. Most importantly, there are the emerging voices within the league that the departure of the Sonics was a mistake that needs to be rectified.
It should be mentioned that expansion betting is not offered everywhere. Most local sportsbooks do not accept bets on franchise movements or expansions due to regulatory restrictions. But to find wider choices, one may resort to this list of offshore sportsbooks where such novelty bets are more frequent. Wagers can be placed on which city will be awarded a team first, when a formal announcement will be made, and many other aspects. The same appetite for variety and speculation is what draws many players to online casino slots, where the mix of chance, strategy, and entertainment creates a similarly dynamic experience for those seeking excitement beyond traditional sports betting.
As the spreads change with the news cycles, the name of Seattle is always at the top. The odds not only indicate the probability but also convey a sense of feeling, a dynamic that is uncommon in the sports betting arena.
The Effect of a Return to the League
An NBA in Seattle would not only satisfy the nostalgia of the fans, but it would also change the competition and financial status of the NBA. The introduction of a 31st or 32nd team would likely result in realigning divisions and schedules. It would create a new local television market and provide opportunities for merchandising. The reintroduction of the Sonics brand, one of the most iconic in NBA history, would automatically enhance the league’s image.
Ripple effects are also possible. Will growth alter the revenue sharing? Would it have any impact on player free agency? Cities such as Portland and Sacramento, which have long lacked tight competitors, may be able to enjoy regionally televised games that sell tickets and generate media coverage.
In Seattle itself, the NBA re-emergence would help finish a sports renaissance. The NFL, MLB, NHL and MLS are already established and the last remaining is basketball. The infrastructure exists, the fans are prepared and the economic environment is good. Not whether but when.
What Comes Next
With the wind at its back and the chances shrinking, Seattle NBA fans could have something to believe in. Although the process of expansion is complex and multi-year, the indicators are trending positively. The fact that investors are interested, the arena is ready, and the league is open all indicate that the stars are aligning for the revival of the Sonics.
Until there is an official announcement, sportsbooks will continue to adjust their lines based on whispers, interviews, and leaks from boardrooms.
To anybody who stands ready to bet not only his or her money, but also his or her heart, the question is no longer whether the NBA will go back to Seattle, but when.
