Ken Griffey Jr. is well-known for being one of the most iconic figures in Seattle sports history. Griffey has maintained a strong connection with the Emerald City, from his early days electrifying crowds at the Kingdome of his Hall of Fame career that propelled the Mariners to national fame.
Currently, he has expressed an interest in stepping into a new roleâthis time outside of the field and into the ownership ranksâas a member of a group that aims to bring the NBA back to Seattle. Griffey expressed his willingness to help restore the Seattle Supersonics to their rightful place in the city’s sports landscape in a recent interview.
Seattle’s Longing for the Sonics
Seattle’s identity has been shaped by the SuperSonics for more than 40 years, winning the NBA championship in 1979 and producing stars like Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, Ray Allen, and Kevin Durant. In 2008, the franchise controversially moved to Oklahoma City, leaving a hole that remains unfilled.
The Sonics’ demise remains a bittersweet moment for many fans, and the city’s pursuit of an NBA return is a common cause throughout the Pacific Northwest. Griffey’s desire to own something demonstrates the extent of the Sonics’ absence.
Griffey is a passionate sports fan who comprehends how a professional franchise affects a city’s culture and economy beyond his Hall of Fame baseball career. His voice is significant because of his legendary status in Seattle, as well as his business acumen and growing involvement in sports ownership circles.
Griffeyâs Transition Beyond Baseball
Griffey has recently ventured into various off-field activities, including joining the Mariners’ ownership group in 2021. His move was a surprise as he became the first former player to have a stake in the franchise. If he decides to pursue NBA ownership, that experience could be a blueprint for what his role would look like.
His investment in the Mariners was a reflection of his strong commitment to the city and its sports heritage, and the idea of expanding that impact to basketball is a natural development. Seattle’s sports fan base is strong for many different sports, like the Seahawks in the NFL, the Storm in the WNBA, or the Kraken in the NHL. The Sonics’ return would reinforce Seattle’s reputation as one of America’s most dynamic sports cities.
The Road to the NBAâs Return
Griffey’s remarks will definitely exhilarate fans, but the process of introducing the Sonics is intricate. Seattle will be a top contender when the NBA decides to expand, but Commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged it as a top contender. Seattle’s support for another professional basketball franchise can be seen in the recent success of Climate Pledge Arena, which currently hosts the NHL’s Kraken and the WNBA’s Storm.
For many years, there has been talk of potential ownership groups, and prominent figures such as Chris Hansen and Jeff Bezos have been suggested as potential backers. The inclusion of Griffey’s name results in a unique, sentimental and symbolic value. The idea of a loved athlete leading the charge in reviving the Sonics is a powerful emotional dimension for Seattle sports fans.
A Symbol of Legacy and Hope
Ken Griffey Jr. has always been more than just a ballplayer to Seattle. During his time, the city began to define itself on the national sports stage. Griffey’s desire to play a role in the Sonics’ rebirth places him again at the heart of Seattle’s sports story.
Griffey’s participation is not only ownership for fans who have been waiting for their team to return for almost two decades; it is also proof of authenticity and dedication to the city’s legacy. Griffey being included in the ownership group would make it significantly for the Sonics to return in the event of NBA expansion.
Seattle’s tale of loss and longing would ultimately culminate in one of restoration and triumph. Griffey stated that Seattle is lacking something. If he has anything to do with it, the missing piece, the green and gold of the Seattle SuperSonics, could one day come back to its proper place.
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