NBA Expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle Gains Momentum

The NBA is poised to take the first steps toward expansion, with Las Vegas and Seattle emerging as the frontrunners to become the league’s next franchises. A vote is scheduled during the upcoming board of governors meetings to explore adding teams in both cities, potentially launching them into competition by the 2028-29 season.

First Vote Scheduled, Final Decision Later This Year

The initial vote, set for next week, will allow the league to focus on Las Vegas and Seattle and initiate a bidding process for the teams according to ESPN sources. A subsequent vote, potentially later in the year, will finalize the transactions to bring the total number of NBA teams to 32. Both voting rounds require approval from 23 of the 30 NBA governors.

Financial Projections and Revenue Potential

Industry executives anticipate franchise proposals in the $7-10 billion range for each team. Both Las Vegas and Seattle are projected to become top-eight revenue generators for the league, driven by strong market appeal and a parity-focused collective bargaining agreement as reported by ESPN. Recent franchise sales demonstrate escalating valuations: the Phoenix Suns sold for $4 billion in 2022, while the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers fetched $6.1 billion and $10 billion respectively in 2025 .

Owner Concerns and Conference Realignment

While many owners support expansion due to potential revenue growth, some are hesitant about diluting their equity stake (from 1/30 to 1/32). They await the final bid valuations and franchise fees before making a definitive decision . Executives anticipate that the Minnesota Timberwolves or Memphis Grizzlies may relocate to the Eastern Conference to balance the conferences at 16 teams each once Las Vegas and Seattle join the Western Conference .

Las Vegas and Seattle’s Sports Landscape

Las Vegas has successfully integrated several major sports franchises, including the NHL’s Golden Knights (2017) and the NFL’s Raiders (2020). The WNBA’s Aces, three-time champions since relocating to Las Vegas in 2018, have too demonstrated the city’s capacity for supporting professional sports . MLB’s Athletics are also slated to move to Las Vegas by 2028.

Seattle, which last hosted an NBA team (the SuperSonics) from 1967 to 2008, has undergone significant venue improvements with the renovation of KeyArena into Climate Pledge Arena, now home to the NHL’s Kraken and the WNBA’s Storm .

NBA’s Global Expansion Plans

In addition to the potential expansion within the United States, the NBA is also pursuing plans for a league in Europe, with bids for prospective teams due on March 31 .

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver indicated in December 2026 that a decision regarding expansion would be made during the calendar year .