July 24, 2024

NBA Expansion to Seattle with Jerry Brewer, Washington Post and Gary Washburn, Boston Globe.

July 24, 2024

Jason "Puck" Puckett, former KJR host chats with Jerry Brewer of the Washington Post and formerly of the Seattle Times and Gary Washburn, who covers the Boston Celtics for the Boston Globe, and also covered the Sonics in their last years at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer about  potential expansion of the NBA to Seattle and other cities. They chat about the  Sonics leaving Seattle in 2008 and the long wait for a team to return. They explore the financial considerations and the role of the expansion fee in the decision-making process. The primary contenders for expansion are Seattle and Las Vegas, but other cities like Mexico City and Montreal are also mentioned. The ownership situation in Boston and the potential impact on the Seattle expansion are discussed. Overall, the conversation highlights the optimism in Seattle but also acknowledges the uncertainties and challenges involved in the expansion process. The conversation revolves around the potential expansion of the NBA and the return of the Seattle SuperSonics. The hosts and guests discuss the timeline for expansion, the ownership groups involved, and the challenges and considerations for both Seattle and Las Vegas. They also touch on the financial aspects of expansion, including revenue sharing and the potential for new arenas. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about future NBA prospects and the passage of time.

Rundown

00:00 How close and how soon for expansion in the NBA?

07:38 Progression of Expansion Talk and why do they need a committee if Seattle is the obvious choice?

11:34 Financial Considerations and Ownership Approval

15:45 Contenders for Expansion

22:16 Ownership Situation in Boston

26:21 Seattle's Growth and NBA's Perspective

28:27 Optimism and Challenges in Expansion Process

33:25 Seattle's Situation vs. Las Vegas

37:12 Ownership Groups and Financial Considerations

45:46 The Uncertainty of Las Vegas

Weekly Guests