Magic Johnson Discusses NBA Expansion Bid With Nevada Leaders
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NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson has opened formal conversations about bringing a professional basketball franchise to Las Vegas, meeting last month with Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo and other Southern Nevada officials, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The talks focused on launching an official bid for an NBA expansion team and explored the construction of a new arena and hotel complex on the Las Vegas Strip.
The league is scheduled to review its next expansion phase during owners’ meetings in New York at the end of March, a process overseen by Commissioner Adam Silver.
Johnson acknowledged significant financial and logistical hurdles remain, noting that “the numbers have to be right” and that league owners will place heavy demands on the commissioner. “But if anyone could do it, it’s him,” Johnson said, voicing confidence in Silver’s leadership.
Las Vegas has long been considered a front-runner for future NBA growth. The city currently hosts NBA Summer League and multiple other league events, underscoring its existing relationship with the sport.
Source: Hoops Wire
