Sonics fans can celebrate but 'don't pour drinks yet,' says Seattle sports writer

Seattle basketball fans are excitedly holding their breath now that the door has been opened for a new NBA team in the city.

It’s been nearly 20 years since the Seattle Supersonics had their last Seattle home game. Ever since, fans have been begging for the team’s return. Now that the NBA's leadership agreed to officially explore expansion in Seattle on Wednesday, those cries of “bring them back” may be answered.

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KUOW’s Angela King talks with Jerry Brewer, a Seattle-based sports writer who’s now at The New York Times’ The Athletic, about his excitement for the possibility of the team's return.

During the interview, Brewer said this team is culturally important to the city of Seattle. He said the Sonic's first arrival in the 1960s and their success can be traced to Seattle getting other major sports teams like the Mariners and Seahawks. It helped give the city some flair, culture, and an identity.

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Brewer says fans can gather for the party, but don't start pouring drinks. Finalizing any decision could take the bulk of the rest of the year, as billionaires are trying to negotiate how to get in on the action.