Bam Adebayo on Climate Pledge Arena as NBA Venue
Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo discusses the passionate fan base and supportive atmosphere at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.
Bam Adebayo shares thoughts on Climate Pledge Arena’s NBA potential. Courtesy of the Miami Heat YouTube Channel
In the NBA, Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo has become known for his versatility and power as a big man. He’s also a student of the game when he’s not playing on the court. He is constantly observing and appreciating basketball environments outside Miami.
Adebayo expressed his admiration for Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena and its passionate fan base during an interview with LandonBuford.com.
A Summer of Hoops Leads to Seattle Appreciation
Adebayo dedicated time during the summer to watching games between the Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm. Through his experiences, he gained a firsthand view of what makes Seattle a unique sports city. Seattle fans display the same pride and intensity that defined the Seattle Supersonics era, even as the city waits for the NBA franchise that they once called their own to return. Adebayo noted that what stood out most was not just the volume in the arena, but the loyalty.
“Yeah, they have a great fan base there. What I’ve seen, they really love their team,” Adebayo said. “They really enjoy them when they’re winning, but they also stick through them for the bad. From that standpoint, they have a great arena.”
Comments of that nature are not easy to come by. Adebayo has played in some of the NBA’s most energetic buildings, from the iconic Boston Garden playoff battles to the Heat’s own raucous postseason environments at the Kaseya Center. Despite everything, Seattle left a lasting impression.
Climate Pledge Arena: A Global Sports Stage in the Making
The Climate Pledge Arena, which has been revamped, has been praised since its 2021 debut. The venue, designed to promote sustainability and modern fan experiences, has already welcomed top-tier professional sports teams such as the Seattle Storm and the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. Athletes, fans, and entertainers alike find it a destination due to its atmosphere and technological upgrades. Adebayo’s recognition is a testament to how well the city has maintained basketball culture, even without an NBA franchise.
Seattle’s Hoops Heartbeat Remains Strong
Seattle’s support for NBA expansion may be loud, but passion doesn’t wait for a franchise announcement. Seattle’s community is supportive of its basketball factory, from high school legends to WNBA champions. For a player like Adebayo, whose career has been shaped by the importance of culture, connection, and fan pride, Seattle checks every box.
A Subtle Nod Toward the Future?
Adebayo’s remarks did not address the NBA’s potential return to Seattle, but they highlighted a truth the league is already aware of: Seattle is prepared. The foundation for expansion is already in place — an elite arena, a thriving fanbase, and a city where basketball is woven into its identity. The Heat’s All-Star is currently focusing on the present, which is appreciated by Miami fans. His appreciation for Seattle is a reminder that the basketball world is closely watching the Emerald City, waiting for its next era to begin.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
