Seattle SuperSonics history highlights a legendary NBA franchise that thrilled fans from 1967 to 2008. Known for its passionate crowd, green-and-gold colors, and memorable stars, Seattle SuperSonics basketball became a symbol of the city’s sports culture. This historic team achieved major milestones, leaving a lasting legacy before relocating and becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Established
1967
City
Seattle – Oklahoma City
League History
1967 – Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
2008 – Present / Oklahoma City Thunder
1967 – 2008 / Seattle SuperSonics
Nickname
SuperSonics – The Seattle Supersonics are one of the most beloved teams in the NBA, and their nickname is just as iconic. But where did it come from? In this blog post, we'll explore the origins of Seattle's basketball team came to better appreciate why it has become so popular over time.
Seattle SuperSonics Origin
The first iteration of what would become known as the Seattle SuperSonics was founded in 1967 when an expansion franchise from Chicago moved to Seattle and became part of a new professional basketball league called The American Basketball Association (ABA). At that time, they were known as The Sonics - a nod to Boeing's supersonic planes, which had recently been developed at nearby Paine Field Airport.
It wasn't until later that year when sportswriter Bill Heinz coined them "the Supersonics" after noticing how fast they played on the court compared with other ABA teams. This catchy moniker proved popular with fans who embraced its reference to speed and technology – two things associated with the progress during those times – making it stick ever since!
Today, many people still associate "Supersonic" with speed while others recognize its connection back to Boeing’s history within Washington State; either way, there can be no doubt about why this nickname has endured for over 50 years now!
As we continue our journey into understanding sports culture more deeply, let us not forget how far back some nicknames go and take a moment to appreciate all that went into creating such an enduring legacy like The Sonics/Supersonics have done here in our city!
Championship
NBA Championships 1
1979
Arena
2012 – Present / Chesapeake Energy Arena
2010 – 2011 / Oklahoma City Arena
2008 – 2010 / Ford Center
*Seattle*
1995 – 2008 / KeyArena at Seattle Center
1985 – 1994 / Seattle Center Coliseum
1978 – 1985 / Kingdome
1967 – 1978 / Seattle Center Coliseum
Owner
2006 – Present / Professional Basketball Club, LLC
2001 – 2006 / Howard Schultz
1983 – 2001 / Barry Ackerley
1967 – 1983 / Sam Schulman
- 1967
- 1979
- 1983
- 2005
- 2006
-
Seattle Supersonics Team Formation
On December 20, 1966, Los Angeles businessmen Sam Schulman and Eugene V. Klein and a group of minority partners were awarded the NBA franchise for the city of Seattle. Schulman would serve as the active partner and head of team operations. He named the SuperSonics after Boeing’s recently awarded contract for the SST project, which was later canceled. The SuperSonics ... -
NBA Finals Winner 1979
NBA Finals – 1979 The 1979 NBA World Championship Series at the conclusion of the 1978 – 1979 season were won by the Seattle SuperSonics defeating the Washington Bullets 4 games to 1. The series was a rematch of the 1978 NBA Finals which the Washington Bullets had won 4-3. Due to a better regular-season record, the Bullets had a ... -
Barry Ackerley Purchases Sonics
In October 1983, original team owner Sam Schulman sold the SuperSonics to Barry Ackerley, initiating a period of decline and mediocrity for the franchise. 1984 saw Fred Brown retire after playing 13 productive seasons, all with Seattle. His career reflected much of the SuperSonics’ history to that time, having been on the same team roster as Rule and Wilkens during ... -
Schultz Cannot Get a New Arena
Schultz is the former owner of the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics. During his tenure as team owner, he was criticized for his naïveté and propensity to run the franchise as a business rather than a sports team. Schultz feuded with player Gary Payton, feeling that Payton disrespected him and the team by not showing up to the first day of training ... -
Relocating to Oklahoma City
From 2001 to 2006, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz was the majority owner of the team, along with 58 partners or minor owners, as part of the Basketball Club of Seattle LLP. On July 18, 2006, Schultz sold the SuperSonics and its sister team, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)’s Seattle Storm, to the Professional Basketball Club LLC (PBC), a group ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Seattle SuperSonics History
Seattle SuperSonics history reflects one of the NBA’s most memorable franchises. Founded in 1967, the team brought professional Seattle SuperSonics basketball to the Pacific Northwest and quickly earned a passionate fan base. Known for its green-and-gold colors and lively atmosphere at the Seattle Center Coliseum (later KeyArena), the Sonics helped define Seattle’s sports culture for over four decades.
During the early years of Seattle SuperSonics history, the team featured Hall of Famers like Lenny Wilkens and Spencer Haywood, setting the stage for long-term success. By 1979, the franchise captured its first and only NBA Championship under coach Wilkens, defeating the Washington Bullets. The Sonics later produced stars such as Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and Ray Allen, who became synonymous with thrilling Seattle SuperSonics basketball.
SuperSonics Achievements
The franchise reached the NBA Finals again in 1996, winning three Western Conference titles overall and multiple division crowns. George Karl’s high-tempo offense in the 1990s helped the Sonics achieve some of their best seasons, drawing sell-out crowds and making KeyArena one of the loudest venues in the league.
Despite their achievements, the team relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 after failed efforts to secure a new arena deal. However, the legacy of Seattle SuperSonics history continues to inspire fans, with calls for an NBA return to Seattle growing stronger each year. The championship banner and unforgettable moments ensure Seattle SuperSonics basketball remains a cherished part of the city’s identity.
Sports Fan Products
Why Did The SuperSonics Disappear From The NBA?
The Seattle SuperSonics, one of the most beloved teams in NBA history, disappeared from the league in 2008 when the franchise relocated and became the Oklahoma City Thunder. The move devastated fans of the Sonics, who had celebrated iconic moments and Seattle SuperSonics highlights with...
Retired Number
1 / Gus Williams
4 / Nick Collison
10 / Nate McMillian
19 / Lenny Wilkens
24 / Spencer Haywood
32 / Fred Brown
43 / Jack Sikma
– / Bob Blackburn
*Blue is this team’s history