Russell Wilson joins Sonics Arena Group as business partner

SEATTLE – The push to bring the Sonics back to Seattle picked up a heck of an ally Monday: Russell Wilson.

The Seattle Seahawks quarterback tweeted that he’s teamed up with the Sonics Arena Group in the hopes of bringing the team back to Seattle.

“I'm excited to announce I've partnered w/ the Sonics Arena Group to help bring the @NBA & @NHL to the best fan base in the world. Seattle,” Wilson wrote.



Chris Hansen, who leads the investment group, described Wilson as a "business partner" in a statement.



Wilson will join a group made up of Hansen, Wally Walker and Erik and Pete Nordstrom.

"I'm blessed and excited to partner with Chris, Wally, Erik, Pete and the greatest fans in all of sports to bring the SODO arena to our beloved City - there is no place like the Emerald City," Wilson said in a statement. "The positive impact sports has on our kids and many generations to come, and bringing different cultures and people together is what motivates and inspires me."

Pete Carroll, who described himself as "a basketball guy" during his press conference Monday, said he'll be at the front of the line to go to games if the NBA returns.

"I think he loves this community and he’s interested in being part of something special," Carroll said. "We all are aware of how close it is to the hearts of people here."

Wilson has spoken in the past about his desire to see the Sonics return.

After the city council voted down a proposal last spring to vacate Occidental Ave. to make way for stadium construction, Wilson urged fans to start a petition.

Walker, the former Sonics general manager, issued a statement welcoming Wilson to the team.

“In our efforts to bring a world class arena to Seattle, we are fortunate to have added a fantastic partner," Walker said. "Russell embodies the positive impact that sports provide a community.   We can’t wait to work with him in our pursuit.”

Wilson isn't the only Sonics fan in the Seahawks' locker room. Just last week, linebacker Bobby Wagner told Q13 News he'd "love for the Sonics to come back."