The NBA inched closer to expanding its footprint on Friday, as the league’s Board of Governors voted to formally explore the addition of franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas, commissioner Adam Silver announced.
The decision authorizes league officials to begin evaluating prospective ownership groups, arena options and the financial impact of introducing two new teams. Investment firm PJT Partners has been hired to assist with the review.
“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,” Silver said. “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.”
Key details
- The approval does not finalize expansion but moves the process forward.
- Expansion fees are projected between $7 billion and $10 billion per team, providing substantial distributions to the league’s current owners.
- If green-lit, the new clubs could begin play as early as the 2028-29 season.
Why Seattle and Las Vegas?
Seattle has been without an NBA team since the SuperSonics relocated in 2008, yet the market remains robust and already features the recently renovated Climate Pledge Arena. Las Vegas has become a focal point for league events, hosting Summer League and the inaugural NBA Cup, strengthening its case for a permanent franchise.
League interest in expansion has grown steadily over the past several years, with many executives viewing additional teams as a matter of “when, not if.”
A successful bid would restore the SuperSonics name and history to Seattle, while Las Vegas would gain its first NBA franchise.
The league will now conduct a thorough examination of economic models, facility readiness and community support before any final decision is brought back to the Board of Governors for a vote.
Source: Hoops Wire
