The NBA is on the verge of a significant expansion, potentially adding franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle as early as the 2028-29 season. Discussions surrounding expansion have been ongoing for some time and according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the league’s board of governors will hold a vote next week to explore the possibility of adding teams to these two cities. This marks the first formal step toward a potential expansion to 32 teams.
“There is momentum within the board of governors and league office,” Charania reported, suggesting a positive outlook for the proposal. If approved, Las Vegas and Seattle would be targeted to join the league for the 2028-29 season. Industry executives project that each expansion franchise could command a price in the $7-$10 billion range, and both markets are anticipated to become top-eight revenue generators for the NBA.
This potential expansion would be the NBA’s first since 2004, when the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) were added to the league. The move comes as both Las Vegas and Seattle have demonstrated strong support for professional sports, and as other leagues – the NHL, NFL, and WNBA – have successfully established franchises in these markets.
A Return to Seattle, a First for Las Vegas
For Seattle, the prospect of an NBA team represents a return after a painful departure. The city was home to the SuperSonics from 1967 until 2008, when the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder following a dispute over arena construction. The return of the NBA would undoubtedly be met with enthusiasm from a passionate fanbase that has long awaited the league’s return.
Las Vegas, meanwhile, would be entering new territory as a home for an NBA franchise. While the city has never hosted an NBA team, it has quickly become a major sports destination, successfully supporting the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL) and the Las Vegas Aces (WNBA). The Aces, in particular, have enjoyed significant success, winning championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025, demonstrating the city’s appetite for professional basketball. The arrival of the Oakland Athletics (MLB) in 2028 further solidifies Las Vegas’s position as a growing sports market.
The league’s interest in Las Vegas and Seattle isn’t surprising. Both cities offer substantial market opportunities and a proven track record of supporting professional sports franchises. The parity-friendly collective bargaining agreement likewise contributes to the attractiveness of expansion, potentially leading to a competitive bidding process for the new teams.
The Road Ahead: Voting and Financial Considerations
The initial vote next week will focus on allowing the league to concentrate on Las Vegas and Seattle and initiate a bidding process for the franchises. A final vote to finalize the transactions and officially expand to 32 teams is anticipated later this year. For the proposal to pass in either round, it requires the support of at least 23 of the 30 NBA governors.
While there is growing support for expansion among owners, some remain hesitant about diluting their equity in the league. Currently, each owner holds approximately 1/30 of the league’s equity. Expanding to 32 teams would reduce that share to 1/32. These owners want to spot the final valuations of the bids and the individual franchise fees before making a final decision on whether to expand now or wait for a more opportune moment.
The potential revenue generated by expansion is a significant driver of the discussions. Industry estimates suggest that both Las Vegas and Seattle franchises would quickly become among the league’s most valuable, contributing significantly to the overall financial health of the NBA. The league is clearly betting that the long-term benefits of expansion outweigh the concerns about equity dilution.
The NBA’s exploration of expansion follows a similar path taken by the NHL, which successfully added franchises in both Las Vegas (Golden Knights, 2017) and Seattle (Kraken, 2021). This precedent suggests that the NBA is confident in the viability of these markets and the potential for success.
The next few months will be crucial as the NBA moves forward with this potential expansion. The outcome of the votes, the level of interest from potential owners, and the final valuations of the franchises will all play a key role in determining whether Las Vegas and Seattle will once again become home to NBA teams.
The league has not yet announced a specific date for the final vote, but it is expected to take place before the end of 2026. Fans in both cities will be watching closely, hoping to see their respective markets welcomed back into the NBA fold.
As the NBA prepares for this pivotal decision, the league is carefully weighing the potential benefits and challenges of expansion. The goal is to ensure that any new franchises are financially stable, competitive, and contribute to the long-term growth and success of the league.
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