Lecture Notes on NBA Team Relocation: Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City Thunder

Key Details

• Event Timeline: Upcoming Game
  • Matchup: Pivotal Game 3
  • Time: Tomorrow at 8:00 PM Eastern Time
  • Coverage: Begins at 7:30 PM on ABC

Background on Team Relocation

• Previous Location: Seattle
• Current Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
• Initial Struggles: After moving, the Thunder lost 29 of their first 32 games.

Seattle's Reaction to Relocation

• No Sympathy: Seattle fans had little sympathy due to losing their team after the 2007-2008 season.
• Historical Context: Seattle once celebrated players like Shawn Kemp.
• Emotions of Fans: The Thunder’s success feels like watching an ex-partner thrive.

Reasons for Relocation

• Ownership Change: Howard Schultz (Starbucks) sold the Sonics to out-of-town buyers.
• Facility Issues: Lack of a modern arena with amenities led to the team leaving.
• Seattle's Stadium History: The city has a history of stadium issues, losing the Seattle Pilots (MLB) partly because of this.

Cultural Impact in Seattle

• Local Figures: Jason Reid, a filmmaker, made a documentary called “Sonic Skate.”
• Mixed Loyalties: Some fans have switched allegiances to other NBA teams but struggle to support the Thunder.

Activism and Rallying

• Community Response: Rally in Pioneer Square before Game 2 to support building a new stadium.
• Public Sentiment: Calls for reinstating an NBA team in Seattle.
• David Stern: Fans addressed the NBA Commissioner directly, urging for a new team.