As hundreds of die-hard Seattle SuperSonics followers watched (or in some instances refused to observe) the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder play their technique to the NBA Finals, tempers and nostrils flared.
Ever because the Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves final week to earn the precise to play the Indiana Pacers for the 2025 championship, Seattleites who skilled the glory days of the SuperSonics have been rightfully stewing over how the Thunder bought there; to not the finals, however to Oklahoma.
Skilled sports activities have two sides — the leisure aspect, with athletes entertaining the followers, and the enterprise aspect. And after 41 years of entertaining Seattle basketball followers, the enterprise aspect seemingly gave Seattle the center finger when the franchise was offered and moved to Oklahoma Metropolis. Company and native authorities selections performed into the transfer as properly, and the identical would be the case ought to Seattle grow to be one of many two cities anticipated to land a franchise if the NBA expands this summer season.
To those that have been wishing and ready for a SuperSonics return, seeing the Thunder simply seven video games from being topped the most effective NBA workforce is an excessive amount of to abdomen. It’s like Seattle is the sufferer of identification theft and nationwide sports activities media is applauding it as they mix the Sonics’ success with the Thunder’s.
However for individuals who nonetheless rock the Sonics gear and may recite the wonderful stats by coronary heart, there’s hope.
Seattle is a metropolis that thinks of its potentialities after which acts.
“The Indy-Oklahoma Metropolis sport arising simply stimulates folks’s response to how they really feel in regards to the workforce,” Mayor Bruce Harrell stated. “The sport form of reminds us of what we don’t have.”
However what Seattle does have is Local weather Pledge Enviornment, main companies that can doubtless help a workforce, family incomes among the many highest within the nation, nonprofits that might welcome community-team relationships, different profitable skilled sports activities and a fan base thirsting for a basketball workforce.
“We’ve carried out greater than sign to the league that we’re stadium-ready (Local weather Pledge) and the commissioner is making it clear their curiosity in us. He is aware of we’re market,” Harrell stated.
As followers reminisce about yesteryear and yearn for the return of the Sonics, it’s finest to do not forget that the sports activities world and leisure typically has modified drastically in 17 years. What would a brand new Sonics franchise and fan expertise appear to be? The chances are infinite and price pursuing.
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