LAS VEGAS — NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Tuesday that the league will decide in 2026 whether to add new franchises, marking the first time he has offered a firm timetable for domestic expansion.
Speaking before the NBA Cup championship game between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, Silver confirmed that Las Vegas and Seattle remain the front-runners should the board of governors vote to create two additional teams.
Evaluating the economics
“If you own 1/30 of this league, now you own 1/32 if you add two teams,” Silver noted, explaining that expansion requires current owners to sell a share of league equity. He said the league is working with existing clubs to gauge market conditions, build financial projections for potential franchises and “then sometime in 2026 we’ll make a determination.”
Why Seattle and Las Vegas lead
Silver praised both markets, citing Seattle’s history with the SuperSonics and Las Vegas’ two-decade track record as host of NBA Summer League and, now, the in-season tournament. “I don’t have any doubt that Las Vegas … could support an NBA team,” he said.
Other topics on the commissioner’s desk
WNBA collective bargaining: Silver said he and deputy commissioner Mark Tatum are prepared to do “whatever is necessary” to help the WNBA and its players finalize a new labor deal. The current CBA, already extended twice, runs through Jan. 9, 2026. “Our players deserve to be paid significantly more,” he said, adding that both sides must find “a meeting of the minds.”
Chris Paul’s exit from the Clippers: The commissioner called the veteran guard’s abrupt dismissal “dismaying” and revealed he has spoken with Paul, but not with Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. Silver said he hopes the 40-year-old will finish his final season with another team.
Injury trends: Addressing concerns that the NBA Cup crowded the schedule, Silver said league data shows “the lowest number of injuries in the last three years.” He acknowledged persistent worries about soft-tissue injuries but argued that current figures do not support claims of an overall spike.
The commissioner added that factors such as early single-sport specialization, faster game pace and year-round training all merit further study. “There are no silver bullets,” he said, “but we remain committed to keeping star players on the floor.”
Source: ESPN
