Seattle Fans Reject Thunder Support in NBA Finals

Seattle basketball fans, still resentful over the 2008 relocation of the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City, are largely rooting against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals, favoring the Indiana Pacers despite the lack of local ties. This sentiment is exemplified by fans like Danny Ball, who runs the "Iconic Sonics" Instagram account and hopes for a Pacers victory to avoid cheering for the Thunder, who are the heavy favorites. The Thunder's Finals appearance is seen by some Seattle fans as a painful reminder of the franchise's history, with many rejecting the association between the Thunder and the Sonics legacy. Seattle's desire for an NBA return remains strong, with league expansion discussions anticipated but no firm commitments yet from Commissioner Adam Silver, who cited uncertainties in local media markets. The Thunder's recent Western Conference finals win and their coach's public praise of the team's relocation owner have further fueled Seattle fans' frustrations. Overall, the ongoing NBA Finals highlight the deep divide in fan loyalty and the unresolved emotions stemming from the franchise's move.