NBA Takes First Step Toward Expansion to Las Vegas, Seattle
NEW YORK – The NBA moved significantly closer to expanding its footprint on Wednesday, as the league’s Board of Governors voted to explore the possibility of adding franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle. The decision initiates a formal process that could observe the league grow from its current 30 teams to 32, potentially by the 2028-29 season.
The vote, approved unanimously by the 30 team owners, authorizes the league to commence evaluating bids and plans from prospective ownership groups in both cities. While not a guarantee of expansion, it represents a major milestone in a discussion that has been ongoing for years, particularly regarding the viability of returning NBA basketball to Seattle and establishing a presence in the rapidly growing sports market of Las Vegas.
A Long-Awaited Return for Seattle, a New Chapter for Las Vegas
Seattle has been without an NBA team since the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, leaving a dedicated fanbase yearning for the return of professional basketball. Las Vegas, meanwhile, has emerged as a prominent sports destination, hosting numerous major events, including the inaugural NBA Cup championship games, and demonstrating a clear appetite for a major league basketball franchise. The city has successfully supported the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL) and the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), signaling its capacity to handle another professional sports team.
“Today’s vote reflects our Board’s interest in exploring potential expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle – two markets with a long history of support for NBA basketball,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement released Wednesday. “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.”
The Expansion Process: What to Expect
The league has engaged PJT Partners, an investment bank, as a strategic advisor to assess the economic and logistical implications of expansion. This includes evaluating potential ownership groups, assessing arena infrastructure, and analyzing the broader financial impact of adding two new teams. The process is expected to be thorough and could take several months, if not years, to complete.
According to ESPN, prospective ownership groups can anticipate offering between $7 billion and $10 billion for each expansion team. This potential valuation reflects the increasing financial strength of the NBA and the desirability of owning a franchise in a major North American sports league. The league is targeting the 2028-29 season for the two expansion franchises to begin play, but that timeline remains subject to change.
The approval process requires a significant level of consensus among team owners. A final vote to finalize the transactions to 32 teams will require at least 23 of the 30 governors to vote in favor. This high threshold underscores the importance of ensuring that expansion benefits the entire league, not just the new franchises and their owners.
What Does This Mean for the Future of the NBA?
Expansion would undoubtedly reshape the NBA landscape. Adding two teams would increase revenue through media rights deals, ticket sales, and merchandise. It would also create new rivalries and potentially alter the competitive balance of the league. The addition of Seattle and Las Vegas would also broaden the NBA’s geographic reach, tapping into new fan bases and markets.
The league’s decision to explore expansion comes at a time of continued growth and popularity for the NBA. The league has seen increased viewership, particularly among younger demographics, and has successfully expanded its global reach. Expansion is viewed by many owners as a natural progression, capitalizing on the league’s momentum and unlocking new revenue streams.
While the path to expansion is not yet certain, Wednesday’s vote marks a significant step forward. The NBA is clearly serious about exploring the possibility of adding teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, and the coming months will be crucial in determining whether those cities will once again host NBA franchises.
Silver will hold a news conference later Wednesday to discuss the next steps in the process. The league will examine Seattle and Las Vegas bids over the next several months, and whether to execute the new franchise purchases in 2026 or in a few years.
Next Steps: The NBA will now begin the formal evaluation of bids from potential ownership groups in Las Vegas and Seattle. Further updates will be provided as the process progresses. Fans in both cities will be eagerly awaiting news on the potential return of NBA basketball to their respective markets.
