# NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Blindsides Sonics Fans

> NBA commissioner Adam Silver hints at Mexico City as expansion alternative, leaving Seattle Sonics fans frustrated.
- Title: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Blindsides Sonics Fans · OutKick
- Summary: NBA commissioner Adam Silver hints at Mexico City as expansion alternative, leaving Seattle Sonics fans frustrated. NBA commissioner Adam Silver floated…
- Keywords: nba, seattle, sonics, adam silver, expansion, mexico city, nba commissioner, league owners, seattle supersonics, climate pledge arena, news, politics
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-sports/nba-commissioner-adam-silver-blindsides-sonics-faithful-floating-surprise-expansion-alternative
- Author: Matt Calkins
- Published: 2026-10-17T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nba, seattle, sonics, adam silver, expansion, mexico city, nba commissioner, league owners, seattle supersonics, climate pledge arena, news, politics
## 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
## Key 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.