NBA Board of Governors Opens Formal Expansion Review for Seattle and Las Vegas
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The NBA’s Board of Governors has voted to begin a formal review of potential expansion franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas, according to multiple league sources. The ballot was held during the governors’ meetings on March 24–25 and needed support from at least 23 of the league’s 30 ownership groups; the measure passed without difficulty.
Several high-ranking executives have recently described the league’s move to 32 clubs as “a matter of when, not if.” Although owners have historically been cautious about splitting annual revenue with additional teams, projected expansion fees of $7 billion to $10 billion per club would generate substantial one-time payments for existing shareholders.
Over the coming months the league will vet both markets and prospective ownership groups. If the process advances quickly, the new franchises could debut in the 2028-29 season, preceded by conference and division realignment as well as an expansion draft.
As part of the evaluation, the NBA has retained investment bank PJT Partners as strategic adviser. “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,” commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.”
Seattle
The Emerald City has pursued a return to the league since the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. Climate Pledge Arena—formerly KeyArena and now home to the NHL’s Kraken—underwent a $1.15 billion renovation and seats 18,300 for basketball. Should the bid succeed, the franchise is expected to reclaim the SuperSonics name, branding, and historical records.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas has never fielded an NBA team but hosts Summer League each July and the semifinals and finals of the NBA Cup. T-Mobile Arena, which holds 18,000 spectators for basketball and serves as home ice for the NHL’s Golden Knights, would be the likely venue.
Other cities—such as Mexico City, Vancouver, Montreal, and Louisville—have occasionally been mentioned as possibilities, yet Seattle and Las Vegas have long been considered the frontrunners in any 32-team configuration. The NBA last expanded in 2004, when Charlotte reentered the league as the Bobcats.
Source: Hoops Rumors
