A consortium led by New York‑based BlackSun Private Equity and the Tulalip Tribes has submitted a $7 billion bid to bring the NBA back to Seattle, proposing a state‑of‑the‑art arena in Marysville, Washington, on tribal land and a complementary entertainment district.
The proposal comes at a time when Seattle has been without an NBA franchise since the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, ending a 16‑year lineage that once made the city a basketball hub.
The NBA’s expansion process currently places Seattle and Las Vegas at the forefront, with league officials indicating that a decision could arrive before the end of the year, provided the ownership groups satisfy the league’s valuation criteria.
The Competitive Landscape
Competing for the same slot, One Roof Sports and Entertainment, headed by Samantha Holloway—who also controls the NHL’s Seattle Kraken—has already filed a preliminary bid, while Las Vegas interests must turn in more detailed proposals by mid‑September.
Commissioner Adam Silver has warned that without meeting the required financial thresholds, the expansion could be postponed, underscoring the high stakes for both the region and the league.