The potential NHL Seattle ownership group, which includes Oak View's Tim Leiweke, Hollywood Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and billionaire businessman David Bonderman joined a special NHL to Seattle Faceoff Show with Ian Furness ahead of the NHL to Seattle season ticket drive. While, the NHL could reward Seattle with an expansion franchise in June at the next board of governors meeting, the NBA is likely much further down the road.
Bonderman said it's important that NHL is on solid footing before the NBA considers moving a team or explores expansion.
"We know there’s an appetite for people here, who are still wounded by what happened with the Sonics and (they) would like to see an NBA franchise here."
"There isn’t going to be one (a franchise) anytime soon because the NBA is not in position to expand or move a team."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver did not address league expansion during the 2018 All-Star weekend, but said last July an interview with C.J. McCollum, expansion is inevitable and Seattle is on the short list. Former Sonics Play-by-Play David Locke, and current voice of the Utah Jazz, recently said on The Ian Furness Show expansion to Mexico City could also benefit Seattle.
Added Bonderman: "If there is an opportunity (for an NBA franchise) we will be all over it because we want to be the sports chancellors in this market. We want to provide the right experience for people who want to experience (an NBA franchise). The bottom line is we are working on it."
You can listen to the full interview with Bonderman, Leiweke, and Bruckheimer by clicking on the podcast above or find it on the podcast page.