The latest rumors regarding an expansion of the NBA suggest that a vote could take place this summer, validating the addition of two new franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle. But this will undoubtedly require a reorganization of the League at the level of its conferences and its divisions.
It is l’insider Brad Townsendof Dallas Morning Newswho released the news in recent hours:
The NBA Board of Governors is likely to vote this summer on expanding the league by two teams, per @townbrad.
Las Vegas and Seattle are considered the favored cities. pic.twitter.com/VVYJByhQEA
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 9, 2026
The expansion of the NBA is a subject that has surrounded the League for several years now, and which has come up more and more often in recent months. Finally, we seem to have something concrete. This information is in line with recent statements from Adam Silver (NBA boss), who announced – in December – a decision for 2026.
Long popular, the cities of Las Vegas and Seattle remain favorites to host a franchise. Silver even met via video conference with the governor of Washington state last week. We also know the NBA boss’s attraction to Vegas, which regularly hosts NBA events (notably the Summer League) and which now has several professional teams in various major US leagues (WNBA, NHL, NFL, MLB).
What reorganization with two new franchises in the West?
If two franchises were added in Las Vegas and Seattle, it would increase the total number of NBA teams to 32, and it would require a reorganization of divisions/conferences to restore the East-West balance. Indeed, Vegas and Seattle being located in the West, another team would have to move to the East (Minnesota? Memphis? New Orleans?) to have 16 in each conference. As a reminder, the NBA is currently structured into two conferences of 15 teams, with six divisions of five teams (three in each conference).
Some on Twitter had fun imagining what the new configuration could look like.
8 divisions of 4 teams, with Memphis in the East:
@DrewHanlen
8 divisions of 4 teams, with Minnesota in the East (version 1):
@yuhwoojazz
8 divisions of 4 teams, with Minnesota in the East (version 2):
@MkeFade
8 divisions of 4 teams, with Minnesota in the East (version 3):
@quinngermann_
4 divisions of 8 teams, with Memphis in the East:
@Jamaaliver
8 divisions of 4 teams, with New Orleans in the East:
This is my take.
I think New Orleans should be the team to move East. The Pelicans were actually an Eastern team for a while back when they were the Hornets; there’s precedent there.
It also limits travel for Atlanta in the Central and gives them a natural geographical rival. pic.twitter.com/Ms0Dxtxage
— The Based Chicagoan (@BasedChicagoan_) February 9, 2026
It will be up to the NBA to decide when the time comes, taking into account travel, rivalries, and many other parameters (including the advantage for a team of moving from the West to the East…).
date: 2026-02-10 15:53:00
Worth a look