From OutKick · Matt Calkins · · 1m
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Blindsides Sonics Fans
NBA commissioner Adam Silver hints at Mexico City as expansion alternative, leaving Seattle Sonics fans frustrated.
In brief
NBA commissioner Adam Silver hints at Mexico City as expansion alternative, leaving Seattle Sonics fans frustrated. NBA commissioner Adam Silver floated Mexico City as a potential expansion city after Seattle was no longer a guaranteed option for an NBA team. Originally reported by OutKick.
Seattle no longer a lock
NBA commissioner Adam Silver informed league owners Seattle is no longer a guaranteed expansion city.
“The nba commissioner informed league owners that seattle is no longer a lock for expansion”
Silver mentions Mexico City
Commissioner Silver reportedly suggested mexico city as an expansion alternative during a board meeting.
“The commissioner reportedly mentioned mexico city as an expansion alternative in a meeting with the board of governors”
Seattle's bid expected lower
Seattle's expansion bid likely costs less than vegas due to existing arena and fan base.
“Seattle's bids are expected to be substantially lower, perhaps because the city already has an nba-ready arena”
One Roof Sports has backing
One Roof Sports secured billionaire Melinda French Gates as a major investor for the Sonics return.
“One roof sports recently landed a billionaire backer in melinda french gates”
Silver's leverage on bids
Silver uses mexico city as leverage to increase Seattle's bid by billions without promising expansion.
“By floating a city south of the border, silver is saying the league can go elsewhere”
Fan reaction
Seattle fans criticized Silver for 'laughable' tactics after 18 years of uncertainty.
“This s, t is laughable. It never ends. When does seattle finally say f, k off to this guy”
The takeaway
NBA commissioner Adam Silver floated Mexico City as a potential expansion city after Seattle was no longer a guaranteed option for an NBA team.
