Watch Sonicsgate: Requiem for a Team

Sonicsgate: Requiem for a Team is a documentary film released in 2009, chronicling the controversial relocation of the Seattle Supersonics NBA team to Oklahoma City in 2008. The film was directed by Adam Brown and produced by Colin White, with narration from comedian and Seattle native John Keister. The movie begins by providing a brief history of the Supersonics, one of the NBA's oldest franchises, from their founding in 1967 to their success in the 1970s and 90s. The film then delves into the events surrounding the team's move, including the sale of the franchise by longtime owner Howard Schultz to an investment group led by Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett, who had publicly stated his intention to move the team before the purchase was even finalized.

Sonicsgate explores the various factors that contributed to the team's departure, including the construction of a new arena in Oklahoma City and the failure of local politicians to secure funding for a proposed arena in Seattle. The filmmakers also examine the role of the NBA in the relocation process, highlighting the controversial actions of commissioner David Stern and arguing that the league was complicit in the loss of a beloved sports franchise.

Throughout the film, Sonics fans express their frustration and anger over the team's departure, organizing protests and rallies in the streets of Seattle and mourning the loss of a cultural institution that had been a part of their lives for decades. The filmmakers interview a number of prominent Seattle figures, including former players, coaches, and politicians, as well as local media personalities and business leaders, who share their memories of the team and their thoughts on the controversy.

One of the most memorable segments of the film involves the discovery of emails between Bennett and other members of the investment group, in which they discuss their plans to move the team to Oklahoma City and express disdain for Seattle and its fans. The emails, which were obtained through public records requests, serve as damning evidence of the group's intentions and further fuel the anger of Seattle residents.

In addition to the email scandal, Sonicsgate also delves into the legal battle between the city of Seattle and the NBA over the team's departure. The film argues that the league violated its own relocation policies and failed to act in the best interests of the city, and highlights the efforts of local activists and politicians to hold the NBA accountable.

The documentary concludes with a somber reflection on the loss of the Supersonics and the impact it had on Seattle's sports culture and community. The filmmakers suggest that the team's departure was not just a business decision, but a betrayal of the city's loyal fan base and a sign of the changing nature of professional sports in America.

Overall, Sonicsgate: Requiem for a Team is a compelling and emotional documentary that sheds light on a controversial episode in sports history. Through interviews, archival footage, and a thorough investigation of the events surrounding the team's move, the film provides a powerful indictment of the greed and corruption that can often pervade the world of professional sports. For die-hard Supersonics fans and sports enthusiasts alike, Sonicsgate is a must-watch documentary that offers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the NBA and the struggle for local communities to retain their beloved sports franchises.