The NBA is poised to take a significant step toward expansion, with a vote scheduled for next week’s board of governors meetings to explore adding franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle, sources confirmed to Archysport. The potential expansion, if approved, would see two new teams join the league for the 2028-29 season.
The league is currently focused exclusively on these two markets, signaling a strong preference for expansion in these cities. Industry executives project that franchise proposals could range from $7 billion to $10 billion each, with both Las Vegas and Seattle expected to quickly become top-eight revenue generators for the NBA. This potential for significant financial growth is a key driver behind the growing support for expansion among team owners.
“It’s not a secret. We’re looking at both markets of Las Vegas and Seattle,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in December, as reported by multiple sources. “We’ve similarly looked at other markets. But I want to be careful, we’ve been accused of flirting with these markets because we’ve been talking about it for some time.”
First Vote to Focus on Bidding Process
This initial vote will allow the NBA to concentrate its efforts on Las Vegas and Seattle, initiating a bidding process for potential ownership groups. A subsequent, final vote is anticipated later in 2026 to officially finalize the expansion to 32 teams. Approval requires a supermajority – at least 23 of the 30 team governors must vote in favor of the proposal.
While momentum appears to be building, some owners remain hesitant about diluting their equity in the league. Currently, each owner holds approximately 1/30 of league equity; expansion would reduce that share to 1/32. These owners are awaiting the results of the bidding process and the final valuations of potential franchises before making a definitive decision.
Precedent Set by Other Leagues
The NBA is following a path already paved by other major North American sports leagues. The National Hockey League (NHL) successfully added teams in both Las Vegas – the Golden Knights, who began play in 2017 – and Seattle – the Kraken, who debuted in 2021. The National Football League (NFL) saw the Raiders relocate to Las Vegas in 2020, and the Oakland Athletics are currently planning a move to the city for the 2028 Major League Baseball (MLB) season. This demonstrates Las Vegas’s growing viability as a major sports market.
Seattle’s Long Wait for a Return
For Seattle, the prospect of regaining an NBA franchise represents the end of a long wait. The city was home to the SuperSonics from 1967 until 2008, when the team controversially relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder following a dispute over arena funding. The return of the NBA to Seattle would be a significant moment for the city’s sports fans.
The last time the NBA expanded was in 2004, with the addition of the Charlotte Bobcats (now the Hornets). The league has undergone significant changes since then, and the current economic climate and the success of other leagues in Las Vegas and Seattle are contributing factors to the renewed interest in expansion.
Financial Implications and Revenue Growth
The potential revenue generated by expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle is a major driving force behind the current discussions. Both cities boast large and passionate fan bases, as well as strong local economies. Industry analysts believe that these franchises would quickly become highly profitable, contributing significantly to the league’s overall financial health. The parity-friendly collective bargaining agreement also contributes to the attractiveness of expansion, suggesting a competitive landscape for new teams.
The league is carefully considering the potential impact of expansion on the existing competitive balance. While adding two new teams could initially dilute the talent pool, the influx of revenue could allow all teams to invest more in player development and free agency, ultimately benefiting the league as a whole.
What’s Next?
The upcoming vote by the board of governors is the first critical step in a multi-stage process. If approved, the league will begin accepting bids from potential ownership groups in Las Vegas and Seattle. The timeline for finalizing the expansion and welcoming new teams to the league remains fluid, but the current target remains the 2028-29 season. The NBA will provide further updates following the board of governors meeting next week. Fans in both cities will be watching closely, hoping to see their respective markets return to – or enter – the world of NBA basketball.
The next official update from the NBA regarding expansion is expected following the board of governors meeting next week. Stay tuned to Archysport for continuing coverage of this developing story.
