NEW YORK – The NBA is officially exploring expansion, with Seattle and Las Vegas emerging as the frontrunners to potentially welcome new franchises as early as the 2028-2029 season. The decision, approved by the league’s Board of Governors on Wednesday, marks a significant step toward bringing NBA basketball back to the Pacific Northwest and further solidifying the league’s presence in Nevada.
The move isn’t a done deal, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver cautioned during a press conference following the Board of Governors meetings. He emphasized that the process will be multi-year and doesn’t guarantee success. “We’re exploring expansion, not committing yet to expanding,” Silver stated, as reported by Seattle Sports Pit. Numerous variables remain, including identifying suitable ownership groups, assessing the financial implications of adding two teams, and ensuring a sufficient pool of talent to maintain competitive balance across the league.
Seattle’s Long-Awaited Return
For Seattle, the prospect of regaining an NBA franchise represents a homecoming after a nearly two-decade absence. The city previously hosted the Seattle SuperSonics for 41 seasons, from 1967 until the team relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. The pain of that loss still resonates with fans, and the enthusiasm for bringing basketball back is palpable. As Kevin Durant, a former Sonic, recently remarked, “It’s about time Seattle gets basketball back. It’s been sorely missed in the Northwest.”
The league recognizes this deep-rooted passion. Silver highlighted Seattle’s “enormous amount of passion for NBA basketball – and WNBA basketball,” noting the city’s existing WNBA franchise, the Seattle Storm. Discussions have already taken place with elected officials in Washington state, signaling a collaborative approach to potentially bringing the NBA back to the Emerald City.
Las Vegas: A Proven Basketball Market
Las Vegas presents a different, but equally compelling, case for expansion. The city has rapidly established itself as a thriving sports market, largely due to the success of the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL) and the Las Vegas Aces (WNBA). The NBA has a long-standing relationship with Las Vegas, hosting its Summer League – a showcase for young talent – in the city for over two weeks each July. Silver even joked about the city effectively having a franchise already, given the league’s significant presence during the summer months.
The Las Vegas Aces have demonstrated the city’s appetite for professional basketball, achieving considerable success in the WNBA. Discussions with Nevada officials have also been ongoing, indicating a willingness to explore the possibility of an NBA franchise. The city’s growing population and its reputation as a premier entertainment destination build it an attractive option for the league.
Timeline and Next Steps
While the 2028-2029 season is the current target, Silver stressed that the timeline is subject to change. “At the earliest, we’d have new teams entering the league in the 2028-29 season,” he said. The league aims to have a clearer picture of its plans by the end of 2026. This includes evaluating potential ownership groups, assessing the financial viability of expansion, and addressing logistical considerations.
The process will be thorough, and deliberate. The NBA wants to ensure that any expansion teams are positioned for long-term success and that the addition of two franchises doesn’t dilute the quality of competition. Silver expressed confidence that, if the league moves forward with expansion, “there won’t be concerns regarding the quality of the competition.”
For fans in Seattle and Las Vegas, the coming months and years will be filled with anticipation as the NBA navigates this complex process. The potential return of the Sonics and the addition of a new franchise to Las Vegas would undoubtedly reshape the league’s landscape and bring the excitement of NBA basketball to two deserving cities.
The next official update from the NBA regarding expansion is expected before the end of 2026. Fans can stay informed through official NBA channels and reputable sports news outlets.
