Sonicsgate

Lore & Background

Sonicsgate contains interviews with former SuperSonics figures and fans, including Gary Payton, George Karl, Wally Walker, Kevin Calabro, Sherman Alexie, and Seattle and Washington state politicians. It also includes archived local news and press conference footage. The film's producers released the 120-minute director's cut online for free on October 12, 2009, without advertising, to spread their grassroots message widely.

Reader's Guide

Sonicsgate is significant for its role in documenting and publicizing the controversial relocation of the Seattle SuperSonics, a team that had been part of the NBA since 1967. The film's free online release garnered over 55,000 views in its first month and over 600,000 views by November 2020, demonstrating the power of grassroots distribution. It received critical recognition, winning Best Sports Film at the 2010 Webby Awards, where former Sonics point guard Gary Payton accepted the award with the five-word speech 'Bring Back Our Seattle SuperSonics.' The film also aired on CNBC in 2012 and on ESPN Classic in 2014, and was released on major digital platforms in 2014 and 2015. Its legacy lies in preserving the story of the team's departure and the fan response, and in showcasing an innovative, free online distribution model for documentary filmmaking.

Did You Know?

• The film's free online director's cut was released on October 12, 2009, and collected over 55,000 views in its first month.
• At the 2010 Webby Awards, former Sonics point guard Gary Payton accepted the Best Sports Film award on behalf of the filmmakers, saying 'Bring Back Our Seattle SuperSonics!'
• The film's soundtrack features songs by several Northwest hip hop artists, including Sir Mix-a-Lot and the song 'SuperSonics' by Presidents of the United States of America.
• In April 2012, CNBC acquired broadcast rights to a re-cut version of the film that aired nationally in prime time.