That was my memory too. We just lost our history, as in, OKC has the 1979 title to their name.
EDIT: Decided to look it up since they invented that whole internet thing:
The rights to the Seattle SuperSonics name, logo, and branding are currently held by Clay Bennett's ownership group. However, this ownership is tied to a settlement agreement with the city of Seattle, stipulating that the name and associated branding will be transferred to a new NBA team in Seattle if the league expands or relocates a team there, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Clay Bennett's Ownership:
When the team relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, they became the Oklahoma City Thunder. The previous ownership group, headed by Clay Bennett, retained the SuperSonics name, logos, and trademarks.
- Settlement Agreement:
A crucial part of the settlement allowed the team to move to Oklahoma City. As part of that agreement, the city of Seattle retained the rights to the SuperSonics name, colors, and logos, to be transferred to a new NBA team in Seattle if the league expands or relocates.
- Future Seattle Team:
If the NBA returns to Seattle with a new franchise or an existing team relocates there, the rights to the SuperSonics name would be transferred to the new team, subject to NBA approval.
- No Current Use:
While Bennett's group owns the rights, they agreed not to use the SuperSonics name in Oklahoma City.
- Shared History:
The settlement also addressed the shared history of the SuperSonics and Thunder. While the Thunder do not actively celebrate the SuperSonics history, it is understood that a new Seattle team could reclaim the team's history from before 2008
