BlackSun Private Equity proposes Seattle NBA arena near Marysville

BlackSun Private Equity has announced a partnership with the Tulalip Tribes to develop a new arena and entertainment district near Marysville, Washington, as part of a bid to bring an NBA expansion franchise back to Seattle.

The proposed site is located approximately 35 miles north of Seattle. BlackSun officials acknowledged potential transportation challenges, noting that rush-hour travel from downtown Seattle to the site can exceed one hour. The firm is currently evaluating options such as regional transit, shuttles, and highway capacity to address these concerns.

BlackSun CEO Atonn Muhammad has indicated the group could secure enough investors to support a bid valued as high as $8.1 billion. Nick Rathod, BlackSun’s chief strategy officer, emphasized the goal of ensuring the team remains a permanent fixture in the Pacific Northwest community. This proposal represents one of at least two major competing bids for a Seattle-based franchise, the other being led by One Roof Sports and Entertainment.