Sonics’ Gary Payton Thinks Seattle Has Good Chance Of Getting Sonics Back In 2025-26 [Watch]
The anticipation of NBA expansion grew with each passing day. Commissioner Adam Silver’s consistent affirmation that expansion was inevitable only fueled the excitement further. At the 2023 NBA Finals, Silver once again faced questions about adding more franchises. On behalf of NBA TV, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal inquired about the possibility of expansion teams in cities like Seattle, Las Vegas, or other potential locations.
Silver acknowledged the potential for expansion, citing the completion of the collective bargaining agreement and the upcoming negotiations for new media rights packages as crucial steps before seriously considering expansion. With these priorities addressed, the commissioner expressed his belief that expanding the league made sense in the long run. He emphasized that successful organizations and the continuous growth of the NBA naturally attracted the interest of numerous great cities.
Expanding the NBA had been on the table for quite some time. The last expansion occurred in 2004 when the Charlotte Bobcats, now known as the Hornets, joined the league. Since then, the NBA has witnessed record-breaking numbers and a consistent rise in the monetary value of its franchises. While settling the new CBA deal and media deals had taken precedence in recent seasons, the league had always kept the possibility of expansion open.
Silver had repeatedly made it clear that expansion was inevitable. He addressed the topic at the press conference before the 2022 NBA Finals and reiterated it during the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. The commissioner anticipated that expansion talks would gain traction in a few years, allowing the league ample time to prepare for potential additions.
Las Vegas stood out as a prime candidate for expansion. The city had already successfully welcomed other professional sports teams, and its hosting of the NBA Summer League every offseason showcased its basketball passion. With a thriving sports community and enthusiastic fans, Las Vegas seemed like a natural fit for an NBA franchise.
As the rumors of expansion swirled, fans across the country eagerly awaited news of new teams. Cities like Seattle, long yearning for an NBA team’s return, hoped their patience would soon be rewarded. The possibilities were endless, and the future of the NBA appeared brighter than ever with the prospect of expanding its reach and creating new basketball legacies.
After hearing the news of Silvers’ comments, Gary Payton then asked to comment.
“I think we will be okay, Adam Silver is great as a commissioner he knows what he’s talking about. We have already done the collective bargaining agreement, now we have to deal with the TV deal, which is going to be next year,” said Payton.
“I think we got a good chance of getting back in 2025-26, and it will be there. I’m not worried about that. I think Seattle is the first one on the list of getting an expansion team, and it should be that way. We should of never lost the team from day one, we had bad ownership at the time and that’s what was taken away from us. We been gone since to 2007, which has been 16 years, and we been fighting, I think Adam Silver knows that. I’m not worried about that we will be back soon, in fact I can guarantee that we will be back soon, we just have to wait for it to be a process.”
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.
