The National Basketball Association (NBA) has officially taken steps towards possible expansion, as team owners have unanimously agreed to explore the addition of franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle.
This decision by the NBA’s Board of Governors marks the beginning of a structured evaluation process aimed at considering expansion beyond the existing 30 teams. This includes inviting potential ownership groups to present their bids and development proposals. However, the league has made it clear that expansion is not a certainty and could result in zero, one, or two new teams.
Commissioner Adam Silver stated, “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. We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.”
To assist in this process, the NBA has enlisted PJT Partners as a strategic advisor to evaluate potential markets, ownership groups, arena infrastructure, and the broader economic impacts of expansion.
Expansion fees are anticipated to be at least $6 billion, with expectations that each new team could be valued between $7 billion and $10 billion, positioning both markets among the top eight in revenue generation.
However, the introduction of new teams could dilute the current revenue-sharing pool for existing franchises, a concern that has sparked discussions among team owners. Silver noted, “There are some owners who felt that we just frankly don’t need to expand. They didn’t necessarily seem concerned going forward, but they felt we’re at a very solid place with the 30-team league we have now.”
The earliest potential timeline for the new teams to commence play is during the 2028–29 season, although final approvals and logistical arrangements may take several years to finalize.
Las Vegas has been viewed as a prime candidate for expansion, with its NBA connections dating back decades through events like the Summer League and more recently, the NBA Cup finals. The city is also evolving into a major sports hub, currently hosting the NFL’s Raiders, NHL’s Golden Knights, and WNBA’s Aces, with the MLB’s Athletics expected to join in the coming years.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo praised the NBA's decision: “Today’s vote by the NBA Board of Governors is a testament to the incredible growth we’re seeing in Southern Nevada and our state’s business-friendly environment.” He added, “Las Vegans have already shown unwavering support for our professional sports franchises, and a new NBA team will provide even more entertainment, more jobs, and more small business growth for the region.”
Potential ownership interests in Las Vegas include groups associated with Magic Johnson and businessman Bill Foley, among others. The development of an arena remains a crucial factor, with venues like T-Mobile Arena needing upgrades to comply with NBA standards.
Seattle, which previously hosted the Seattle SuperSonics before their relocation in 2008, has been eager to rejoin the league. The city is recognized as a strong basketball market with passionate fan support.
The expansion process will also require the league to consider competitive balance. Both Las Vegas and Seattle teams would likely be placed in the Western Conference, which could lead to a current team, such as New Orleans, Memphis, or Minnesota, moving to the Eastern Conference.
The league has reiterated that expansion is not guaranteed and will depend on the results of its evaluation process, including economic factors, ownership bids, and competitive considerations discussed among team owners.