Seattle sports is a passion of Corey Kispert, a Washington Wizards forward and native of the Pacific Northwest. He explained to RG.org that Seattle is not just a great basketball town, but also one of the most passionate sports cities in the country.
His motives extend beyond nostalgia for the Sonics.
Seattle’s Sports Passion on Full Display
The Seattle Mariners’ electric playoff run is a recent, clear example of the city’s intensity, as Kispert pointed out.
“You got to see during the playoffs what kind of sports town Seattle is,” he said. “The crowds, the energy, the passion – it was incredible. I was heartbroken when they didn’t make it. I was really behind those guys and loved watching them play.”
Seattle fans’ unwavering loyalty, deafening home crowds, and a deep emotional investment in their teams were all highlighted by the Mariners’ close call in the World Series. For Kispert, that run didn’t just reinvigorate baseball excitement; it reinforced that Seattle is already built to support the NBA again.
He added that the team’s future is still bright.
“Hopefully, they can get the roster back together with the free agents and keep building. I know that organization wants to push for bigger and better things. They had a great shot this year, just came up a little short. But I really believe in that team, and I think even better things are ahead.”
A City Built to Support Big-Time Sports
Although Kispert’s basketball background is well-known, he made it clear that Seattle’s sports culture extends far beyond the Mariners.
One of the most intimidating home teams in the NFL is the Seattle Seahawks, thanks to the famous 12th Man.
The Seattle Sounders consistently rank among the top attendance leaders in MLS and have won multiple championships.
In a short amount of time, the Seattle Kraken have developed one of the NHL’s most passionate fanbases.
And the Seattle Storm, with the help of legends such as Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, has become one of WNBA’s elite franchises, drawing energy that rivals any team in the league.
Ken Griffey Jr during his hall of fame career has help build the Mariners fan base and recently shared his desire if it was presented to become part of an owernship group to help bring the Seattle Supersonics back to town.
Seattle’s support for professional sports teams is greater than that of many markets already hosting the NBA, given all of that together.
A City Ready for Its Comeback
Kispert’s message is straightforward: Seattle has demonstrated repeatedly that it is one of the best sports towns in America. The passion is visible. The loyalty is evident. The infrastructure is already there. What’s missing is the NBA. The former Gonzaga star made it clear that bringing back an NBA team wouldn’t just satisfy nostalgia – it would thrive. The tradition. The culture. The fan base. It’s all waiting.
The NBA Needs Seattle Just As Much As Seattle Needs the NBA
Kispert’s conviction is a reflection of the aspirations of countless Seattle natives and basketball enthusiasts who grew up watching the Sonics dominate KeyArena.
The city didn’t lose basketball – it just lost its home team. Seattle is fully prepared now that the city’s sports appetite is greater than ever. Kispert suggests that the NBA’s return will be more than just a welcome; it will be a celebration.
