Russell Wilson
Jan 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) at press conference at Arizona Grand in advance of Super Bowl XLIX. Reuters/Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks superstar Russell Wilson is determined to bring back the Seattle SuperSonics to the city of Seattle and would be willing to own a stake in the discontinued NBA franchise.

In 2008, the Sonics moved to Oklahoma City after spending exactly 40 seasons in in the city of Seattle (1967-68 to 2007-2008). During their time in Seattle, the franchise won one NBA championship (1979), three conference titles (1978, 1979 and 1996) and six division titles. In 1996, Gary Payton's Sonics lost in the NBA Finals to Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls.

Fans in Seattle have been yearning for a basketball team to return to the city. And Wilson, one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League (NFL), is trying to put together a plan to make it happen.

Earlier this week, Wilson announced that he is joining a conglomerate led by investor Chris Hansen that is working on building a new arena to host NBA and NHL games in the city of Seattle.

Wilson wrote in The Players' Tribune that he gew up as a fan of the Sonics.

"I became a SuperSonics fan by playing NBA Jam (videogame) and watching them on SportsCenter and NBA Inside Stuff. I loved their name. I loved their colours. I loved (Shawn) Kemp and (Gary) Payton, and then in later years, I loved watching Ray Allen swish corner threes with that perfect form."

Russell Wilson wants ownership stake

The Seahawks QB said Thursday that he wishes to have an ownership stake in the Sonics should the pro basketball team return to the city of Seattle.

"Yeah, I will. Yes, for sure. It's going to be an exciting thing," Wilson was quoted as saying by ESPN.

"I met Chris (Hansen) a few years ago, and we were having a great conversation. ... I've told you guys I've been really authentic about wanting to own a team one day and being a part of something really special and doing that," added Wilson.

Since moving to Oklahoma City, the franchise, owned by Clay Bennett, has made rapid strides, reaching one NBA final (2012) and four Western Conference finals in the last six seasons. Their front office, led by general manager Sam Presti, has been lauded for drafting superstars such as Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. With Durant and Harden no longer with the Thunder, Westbrook is the new face of the franchise.

The NBA hasn't been totally opposed to adding a 31st team. Will Russell Wilson and his investor group convince them to bring back the Sonics down the road?

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