Gov. Bob Ferguson met virtually with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Nov. 5 as the conversation about returning the Sonics to Washington continued, Washington State Standard reported. The governor's spokesperson described an ongoing dialogue about a potential Seattle team.
For readers around Tulalip and Marysville, the discussion has a local connection: a proposal involving talks with the Tulalip Tribes about an arena on tribal land near Marysville.
The Tulalip connection
In September, KIRO 7 reported that the Tribes confirmed discussions about possible participation in a bid associated with BlackSun Private Equity. The station reproduced a statement from Chairman Hazen Shopbell supporting the effort and describing opportunities to broaden Tulalip's entertainment offerings and economy.
That statement described the basketball effort as one of several ideas the Tribes were considering. It did not announce a completed arena project.
BlackSun and Native World Sports announced their proposed ownership group in August. Their release describes a sports and entertainment district anchored by an arena, with further development subject to site selection, public review and community consultation. The release does not identify a Tulalip site.
What has been decided
The NBA's March announcement authorized exploration of expansion in Seattle and Las Vegas. The league said it would evaluate prospective markets, ownership groups, arena infrastructure and the economics of adding teams.
The reviewed announcements describe proposals and discussions. They do not announce an awarded Tulalip franchise or an approved local arena. For residents interested in the idea, a specific site, ownership arrangement and any public participation process would be important details to watch as the plans develop.
Information checked Nov. 5, 2026. The governor's latest meeting was reported by Jake Goldstein-Street of Washington State Standard.
