NBA Basketball Coming to Oklahoma City this Fall

July 3, 2008 -- It's official, the NBA is coming to Oklahoma this fall. The Seattle Supersonics will relocate to Oklahoma City effective immediately and will begin play in November as part of the 2008-2009 NBA season.

The NBA franchise will provide an immediate boost to the state's economy. Bricktown Association Executive Director Jim Cowan says having a permanent NBA franchise will result in even more economic development in downtown Oklahoma City.

"This is much bigger than the Hornets," Cowan tells The Oklahoman. "When they were here, everybody knew it was temporary. But if a team is coming to stay, that says I can open a new business because I can count on 41 home games a year from now on."

Following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Oklahoma City served as a temporary host for the New Orleans Hornets before dozens of sell-out crowds during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons. This time the NBA is here to stay.

"I think somebody is going to have to pinch me to think this day is really here," says Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. "If I had a concern -- and my tongue is not in my cheek -- I'm concerned we don't have enough seats in that arena. I think the season ticket sales are going to blow the roof off the building."