The 2007-08 Seattle SuperSonics season marked a devastating chapter in the franchise's 41-year history. What began as a year of promise quickly turned into a farewell no one wanted to witness. With former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz having sold the team to Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett in October 2006, the writing was already on the wall, though most Seattle fans refused to read it. When Bennett's ownership group took control, they promised a good-faith effort to keep the team in Seattle, a pledge that would prove hollow as legal battles and broken commitments defined the franchise's final months in the Pacific Northwest.
Relocation to Oklahoma City
The timeline of events that unfolded during that final season painted a bleak picture. By November 2007, Bennett officially notified the NBA of his intention to relocate the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City if he could negotiate an early release from the KeyArena lease. What followed was an emotional roller coaster for devoted fans who had supported this franchise through both its championship glory and its decline. The team itself reflected the chaos surrounding the organization, finishing with a franchise-worst 20-62 record. Despite the dismal season, one bright spot emerged: Kevin Durant, drafted second overall, won Rookie of the Year and offered a glimpse of hope for the franchise's future, even if that future would unfold elsewhere.
As the regular season wound down, KeyArena became a sanctuary for those refusing to accept the inevitable. On April 13, 2008, the Sonics played their final game in Seattle against the Dallas Mavericks, winning 99-95 in a comeback that left the arena roaring. More than 15,000 fans filled the venue, a stark contrast to the sparse crowds that attended most games that season. Farewell banners hung throughout KeyArena, honoring the 1979 championship team and legendary players like Gary Payton, whose surprise appearance ignited an emotional standing ovation. Fans chanted "Save our Sonics!" with desperate hope while also directing far harsher messages toward Bennett. The atmosphere was electric, bittersweet, and heartbreaking, a final tribute to a community's sports identity slipping away.
Fans Fight Back
Yet the battle didn't end on the court. Fans mobilized through organizations like "Save Our Sonics," staging protests and rallies that drew thousands. In June 2008, over 3,000 supporters gathered at the U.S. District Courthouse on the first day of Seattle's lawsuit against Bennett's group to enforce the remaining lease terms. Despite these grassroots efforts and a last-minute $300 million renovation plan backed by Microsoft's Steve Ballmer, the Washington State Legislature failed to approve funding. The legal fight persisted, but by July 2, 2008, a settlement was reached that effectively ended Seattle's NBA era: Bennett's group would pay $45 million to break the lease plus an additional $30 million if Seattle didn't receive a replacement team within five years.
On April 18, 2008, NBA owners voted 28-2 to approve the relocation, with only Dallas' Mark Cuban and Portland's Paul Allen dissenting. The SuperSonics became the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 2008-09 season, retaining the franchise's history despite changing locations.
The Legacy
The Thunder have since become a dominant force in Oklahoma City. Today's franchise, anchored by stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, represents a complete turnaround from the struggling Sonics. For DFS enthusiasts, the Thunder have become must-watch players for daily fantasy lineups. Gilgeous-Alexander ranked second among all NBA fantasy performers for the 2025-26 season, while Jalen Williams cracked the top 25. If you're building Thunder-focused fantasy rosters this season, click here to access top DFS sites for constructing competitive lineups.
The question of whether Seattle deserves an NBA expansion team remains contentious. With a passionate fan base, adequate arena infrastructure, and historical pedigree, Seattle meets every requirement. Yet the NBA has remained noncommittal, repeatedly delaying discussions of expansion. Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the market's legitimacy but cited internal obstacles. Until Seattle gets its team back—whether through expansion or relocation—the 2008 move will remain a cautionary tale of how business decisions can shatter a city's sports identity.
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