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Ivory CoastJamal Crawford Joins Push To Bring NBA Back To Seattle
Jamal Crawford is advising Samantha Holloway's ownership group in its bid to return an NBA franchise to Seattle.
Crawford Joins Seattle Expansion Bid
Jamal Crawford has seen several failed attempts to bring NBA basketball back to Seattle. This time, the former player believes things look much better for his home city.
Crawford is serving as an advisor to an investment group led by Seattle Kraken owner Samantha Holloway. The original franchise left for Oklahoma City 17 years ago, but Holloway's group wants to bring the SuperSonics back to Washington.
Crawford said he remembers thinking the team would return within five years when they first moved. He noted that while previous attempts failed, this effort feels different to him.
Strong Financial Position And Arena Access
Holloway is joined in her bid by Melinda French Gates and Amazon chief executive officer Andy Jassy. The valuation for the Seattle group is currently estimated around $6 billion.
A major advantage for Holloway is her company, One Roof Sports & Entertainment. It owns a majority share of Climate Pledge Arena, which opened in 2021. The venue currently hosts the WNBA's Seattle Storm and the NHL's Kraken, and it can easily host NBA games. Any rival bidder would need to build a new arena or negotiate to use Climate Pledge Arena.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver hopes to resolve the expansion process by the end of 2026. Other markets are also involved, including Las Vegas, where costs could top $10 billion, and Mexico City. Recent NBA sales include the Minnesota Timberwolves at $4.5 billion and the Boston Celtics, which could reach up to $7.3 billion.
Deep Local Basketball Culture
Crawford grew up in Seattle and worked at the old Key Arena, which was rebuilt as Climate Pledge Arena. He sold pretzels and cotton candy at concession stands while watching former Sonics stars play.
He currently runs the Seattle Summer Pro-Am league, which has hosted stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant over the years. Crawford called himself a Seattle basketball lifer who wants to serve the community where he grew up.
Former Sonics players are also staying involved in the effort. Detlef Schrempf said he has taken part in calls and group texts with former players like Gary Payton, Sam Perkins, and Nate MacMillan to help return a team to the city. Schrempf noted that the area has a great basketball culture and a fan base ready for the NBA to return.
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