NBA Expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle: A New Era for the League
The NBA is poised to embark on its first expansion in two decades, with Las Vegas and Seattle emerging as the frontrunners to host new franchises. A pivotal vote is scheduled for March 24-25, 2026, during the Board of Governors meetings, marking the first step toward potentially adding two teams for the 2028-29 season and bringing the league’s total to 32.
What’s on the Agenda for March 24-25?
The upcoming Board of Governors meeting will not definitively approve the expansion. Instead, it will authorize the commencement of a bidding process exclusively for Las Vegas and Seattle franchises. ESPN reports this initial vote is crucial for focusing the league’s efforts on these two markets.
A Two-Round Voting Process
The expansion process involves two rounds of voting. The first, occurring next week, will initiate the bidding process. The second, anticipated later in 2026, will finalize the transactions and officially confirm the expansion to 32 teams. Approval requires a favorable vote from 23 of the 30 governors – three-quarters of the total. CBS Sports confirms this voting threshold.
Adam Silver’s Timeline for Decision
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver indicated in December 2025 that a decision regarding expansion would be made during 2026. Sporting News highlights Silver’s commitment to this timeline, further reinforced at All-Star Weekend with confirmation that the Board of Governors was prepared to take the “next step” in negotiations.
The Cost of an NBA Franchise
Industry executives project that franchise purchase proposals will range between $7 billion and $10 billion per team. ESPN notes this reflects the soaring value of NBA franchises, with the Los Angeles Lakers recently selling for a record $10 billion in 2025.
Recent Franchise Sales
| Franchise | Buyer | Year | Valuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns | Mat Ishbia | Dec. 2022 | $4,000M |
| Boston Celtics | Bill Chisholm | 2025 | $6,100M |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Tom Dundon | Aug. 2025 | $4,250M |
| Los Angeles Lakers | Mark Walter | 2025 | $10,000M |
| Las Vegas (estimated) | To be determined | 2026 | $7,000–$10,000M |
| Seattle (estimated) | To be determined | 2026 | $7,000–$10,000M |
Why Las Vegas and Seattle?
Las Vegas: The city has already proven its capacity to support major sports teams. The WNBA’s Aces have thrived there since 2018, winning championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025. The NBA also hosts its annual Summer League in Las Vegas, demonstrating the market’s appeal.
Seattle: Seattle has been without an NBA team since the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. The city has maintained a strong fan base and recently renovated KeyArena, now known as Climate Pledge Arena, which also serves as the home for the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm.
Potential Conference Rebalancing
If Las Vegas and Seattle join the Western Conference, the NBA would have 18 teams in the West and 14 in the East. To restore balance, one or two teams from the West may need to move to the Eastern Conference, with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies frequently mentioned as potential candidates.
Key Takeaways
- The NBA is seriously considering expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle.
- A vote to begin the bidding process is scheduled for March 24-25, 2026.
- Franchise valuations are expected to be between $7 billion and $10 billion.
- The expansion is targeted for the 2028-29 season.
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