NBA Explores Expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle
The NBA is taking its first formal steps toward expansion, with the Board of Governors voting to explore potential franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle. The move, announced on March 25, 2026, signals a significant shift for the league and could see two new teams joining the competition as early as the 2028-29 season.
Formal Exploration Process
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the decision, stating that the league has engaged PJT Partners as a strategic advisor to evaluate prospective markets, ownership groups, arena infrastructure and the broader economic implications of expansion. NBA.com
All 30 current NBA owners voted in favor of exploring the expansion possibilities, indicating widespread support for the initiative. ESPN
Potential Franchise Values and Timeline
Bids for the two expansion franchises are expected to generate offers in the range of $7 to $10 billion per team. ESPN The league is targeting the 2028-29 season for the new teams to begin play. ESPN A final vote to finalize the transactions to 32 teams is anticipated later in 2026, requiring approval from at least 23 of the 30 governors. ESPN
Seattle’s Pursuit of a Team
Seattle is particularly eager to regain an NBA franchise after the departure of the Seattle SuperSonics in 2008. Yahoo Sports The city has a strong basketball fanbase and has been actively preparing for the potential return of the NBA.
Las Vegas as a Sports Hub
Las Vegas is rapidly establishing itself as a major sports destination, already home to the WNBA’s Aces and hosting significant events like Formula 1. Yahoo Sports The city’s growing popularity and modern infrastructure make it an attractive candidate for an NBA franchise.
Potential Conference Realignment
The addition of two teams to the Western Conference could necessitate a shift in conference alignment. It is likely that one team, either the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Memphis Grizzlies, would be moved to the Eastern Conference to maintain competitive balance. ESPN
Growing Owner Support
A growing number of NBA owners support expansion due to the potential for long-term revenue growth from the Las Vegas and Seattle markets. Yahoo Sports The recent sales of franchises like the Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers demonstrate the increasing value of NBA teams. ESPN