The National Basketball Association’s governing board gave the green light Wednesday for league officials to examine potential franchise expansion into two specific markets: Las Vegas and Seattle.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement saying, “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.”
Silver added, “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.” While Wednesday’s decision doesn’t guarantee either city will receive a franchise, it opens the door for official discussions with potential ownership groups. Industry analysts project each expansion franchise could cost investors anywhere from $7 billion to $10 billion.
Seattle previously hosted the SuperSonics until 2008, when team ownership moved the franchise to Oklahoma City following unsuccessful negotiations for a new arena facility.
Las Vegas has never hosted an NBA franchise but has established itself as a growing sports destination, currently housing NFL and NHL teams, while Major League Baseball’s Athletics are also planning to relocate to the city.
Should the expansion move forward, both franchises are anticipated to debut during the 2028-29 season, representing the league’s first growth since the Charlotte Bobcats entered in 2004.
League insiders anticipate both new teams would join the Western Conference, likely prompting either the Minnesota Timberwolves or Memphis Grizzlies to move to the Eastern Conference to maintain equal 16-team divisions.
