Second Bidder Emerges for Seattle NBA Expansion

Seattle’s push to bring the NBA back to the city has gained momentum with the emergence of a second ownership group—and its arena proposal could dramatically reshape the region’s basketball landscape.

BlackSun Private Equity, a New York-based investment firm, has partnered with the Tulalip Tribes on a proposal that would bring an NBA expansion franchise to the Seattle area and build a new arena and entertainment district on tribal-owned land near Marysville, Washington. The development would be roughly 35 miles north of Seattle.

BlackSun Joins Seattle Expansion Race

BlackSun submitted its proposal for an NBA expansion franchise in August. The group says it could assemble investors for a bid worth as much as $8.1 billion, although the NBA has not yet awarded an expansion franchise and the league’s formal process is still underway.

The partnership with the Tulalip Tribes is one of the most distinctive aspects of the proposal. Rather than simply securing a venue in Seattle, BlackSun envisions building a new sports and entertainment destination on tribal land near Marysville.

Tulalip Chairman Hazen Shopbell said the project could expand the tribe’s entertainment portfolio, diversify its economy and create jobs in Snohomish County.

A New Arena North of Seattle

If BlackSun wins the franchise, the proposed development would include a state-of-the-art NBA arena surrounded by an entertainment district.

The broader concept could eventually feature restaurants, retail, hospitality, entertainment venues, public spaces and other developments designed to operate throughout the year rather than only on NBA game nights.

The location, however, could become one of the biggest questions surrounding the bid.

An arena near Marysville would be significantly farther from Seattle’s population center than the existing Climate Pledge Arena, where the Seattle Kraken play and where an NBA team could potentially play. Traffic between Seattle and Everett can also become particularly difficult during peak hours.

One Roof Remains Another Major Contender

BlackSun is not alone in pursuing the return of NBA basketball to Seattle.

One Roof Sports and Entertainment, led by Kraken majority owner Samantha Holloway, is already publicly pursuing an expansion franchise. Its existing connection to Climate Pledge Arena gives that group a major advantage when it comes to having an established NBA-ready venue in Seattle.

That creates a fascinating contrast between the two proposals.

One group can point to an existing arena and established professional sports infrastructure in Seattle, while BlackSun is pitching a completely new arena and a broader regional entertainment district.

Tulalip Partnership Could Set the Bid Apart

BlackSun is emphasizing the role of Tribal Nations as economic partners rather than simply sponsors.

The firm has said its vision involves meaningful Tribal participation in the franchise’s ownership and development. The proposed arena project would also build on the Tulalip Tribes’ existing entertainment and commercial operations near Marysville.

The exact financial investment and ownership stake of the Tulalip Tribes have not been disclosed.

What Happens to the SuperSonics?

For Seattle basketball fans, the ultimate prize is the potential return of the Seattle SuperSonics.

The franchise left Seattle after the 2007-08 season and moved to Oklahoma City, becoming the Thunder. The NBA formally authorized exploration of expansion into Seattle and Las Vegas in March 2026, with the league evaluating potential markets, ownership groups and arena infrastructure.

Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated that the league hopes to reach a decision on expansion before the end of 2026.

If Seattle ultimately receives a franchise, the city could once again become home to NBA basketball after nearly two decades.

The Biggest Challenge: Location

BlackSun’s proposal is ambitious, but building an NBA arena north of Seattle could create a difficult question: Will fans be willing to make the trip for dozens of home games every season?

The group believes the larger entertainment district and partnership with the Tulalip Tribes can create a destination capable of attracting visitors from across the Pacific Northwest.

But competing against an established downtown Seattle venue—and convincing fans to travel north regularly—could be one of the most important factors the NBA considers.

For now, the Seattle expansion race has become a genuine two-bidder contest, with BlackSun offering a bold alternative to the existing Seattle-based proposal. The final decision will ultimately rest with the NBA and its Board of Governors.