After failing to find public funding to construct a new arena in the Seattle area, the SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City before the 2008–09 season, following a $45 million settlement with the city of Seattle to pay off the team's existing lease at KeyArena at Seattle Center in advance of its 2010 expiration.

Why did Seattle SuperSonics change their name?

Seattle SuperSonics

Seattle's NBA franchise, which entered the league in 1967, needed a nickname, and ownership turned to the fans for help. The fans chose the name SuperSonics, which was inspired by a plane—the Supersonic Transport—that Boeing was working on in the Seattle area (per NBA.com).

Where did Seattle SuperSonics move to?

With the move to Oklahoma City complete, the Seattle SuperSonics officially changed their name to the Oklahoma City Thunder on September 3, 2008.