On March 25, 2026, the NBA’s Board of Governors voted to explore the possibility of expanding the league to include teams in Las Vegas and Seattle. This decision comes after a long hiatus, as the NBA has not expanded since the Charlotte Bobcats joined the league in 2004.
The vote required the approval of 23 out of the 30 governors, indicating strong interest in these markets. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated, “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.” This reflects the league’s recognition of the enthusiasm for basketball in both cities.
Seattle, which lost the SuperSonics in 2008, is the second-largest American media market without an NBA team. Local advocates, such as Katie Wilson, have expressed their eagerness for the return of the NBA, emphasizing that “Seattle is ready to welcome the Sonics home. We never stopped being a basketball city, and the fans have never given up.”
Las Vegas, while lacking an NBA team, is already home to NFL and NHL franchises, showcasing its capability to support major sports. Joe Lombardo, a local official, remarked, “I’m very excited to see the NBA advance this process toward a Las Vegas expansion team.”
The NBA plans to formally explore interested bidding groups for teams in both cities, with expansion teams expected to begin play in the 2028-29 season at the earliest. Expansion fees are projected to range between $7 billion and $10 billion per franchise, highlighting the financial stakes involved.
As the process unfolds, details remain unconfirmed regarding whether both cities will receive teams or if only one will be selected. The NBA’s exploration of these markets is a significant step, but uncertainties remain about the final decision.
In summary, the NBA’s exploration of expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle marks a pivotal moment for the league, potentially reshaping its landscape and fan engagement in these regions. The outcome of this process will be closely watched by basketball fans and stakeholders alike.
