The race to bring the NBA back to Seattle is heating up, with a second ownership group now officially in the mix.New York-based BlackSun Private Equity submitted a bid in August and is working alongside the Tulalip Tribes on plans that could include an entirely new arena outside Seattle, according to The Athletics Christian Clark and John Hollinger.BlackSun Private Equity, a New York-based firm that in August submitted a bid to bring the NBA back to Seattle, is working with the Tulalip Tribes to build the arena on tribal-owned land if it secures the franchise, Clark and Hollinger reported.The proposed arena would be built in Marysville, Washington, approximately 35 miles from Seattle. The plans go beyond basketball, with the group also looking to develop an entertainment district on land owned by the Tulalip Tribes.BlackSun becomes the second known bidder chasing a potential Seattle franchise.One Roof Sports and Entertainment, the majority owner of the NHLs Seattle Kraken and led by Samantha Holloway, is also pursuing an expansion team.Both groups have made it clear they intend to keep the franchise in the Seattle area, an important point considering how the SuperSonics previous stint in the city ended.Seattle lost its NBA team in 2008 when the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder. The city has been without an NBA franchise ever since.The leagues expansion process is now moving forward, with Seattle and Las Vegas considered the two leading markets. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has said he hopes a decision can be reached by the end of the year.The Seattle groups have submitted preliminary bids, while prospective Las Vegas owners reportedly face another deadline in mid-September to provide more detailed proposals.Las Vegas could be addressed first before the league settles on a Seattle ownership group, according to reports.The price wont be cheap either.The NBA is reportedly seeking bids of at least $7 billion for each expansion franchise, with expectations that a Las Vegas team could command an even higher figure.If prospective owners dont reach the leagues desired valuation, however, expansion could once again be delayed, leaving Seattle waiting even longer for the return of NBA basketball.READ MORE: Kings Poised to Make Another Run at Jalen Duren: Report
