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.

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As discussions around the future of the NBA unfold, significant developments have emerged regarding potential expansion into new markets. Oaktree Capital Management, led by Howard Marks, is actively exploring options for NBA expansion in Europe, specifically in collaboration with Olimpia Milano. This initiative signals a broader interest in expanding the NBA’s global footprint.

In the United States, the NBA is preparing to hold a crucial vote to consider adding expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle. This vote is a pivotal moment for the league, as it could reshape the landscape of professional basketball in the coming years. Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated that the league will make a decision in 2026 regarding whether to proceed with these expansion plans.

The targeted start for the new franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle is set for the 2028-29 season. This timeline allows the league to carefully evaluate the implications of expansion, both financially and logistically. Proposals for each team are projected to be in the $7-10 billion range, reflecting the soaring valuations of NBA franchises in recent years.

The last time the NBA expanded was in 2004, when the Charlotte Bobcats were introduced as an expansion team. Since then, the league has seen significant growth, with franchise valuations skyrocketing. For instance, the Phoenix Suns were sold for a record $4 billion in December 2022, highlighting the lucrative nature of owning an NBA team.

Seattle, in particular, has been without an NBA team since 2008 when the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City. The return of an NBA franchise to Seattle would be a monumental event for the city and its basketball fans, who have long awaited the revival of their professional basketball presence. The NHL’s successful expansion into Seattle with the Kraken in 2021 serves as a potential model for the NBA’s approach.

As the NBA prepares for these potential expansions, the NCAA Tournament is also approaching, which provides critical opportunities for NBA scouts to observe prospects. The tournament tips off on Thursday, influencing team brackets and player evaluations. Notably, players like Allen Graves, who has a 5.0-percent steal rate for a player his size, are drawing attention for their strong defensive instincts.

The NCAA Tournament represents one important, final opportunity for players to showcase their skills before the draft process begins. With players like Tarris Reed Jr. weighing in at 265 pounds and averaging 16.0 points over the last 10 games, scouts will be keenly watching for talent that could potentially make its way to the NBA.

As the NBA navigates these expansion discussions and the upcoming NCAA Tournament, the implications for the league, its franchises, and aspiring players are significant. The decisions made in the coming years will shape the future of professional basketball in both established and emerging markets.

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As the NBA considers its future, the prospect of expanding into Europe has gained significant traction. Just before the key developments unfolded, discussions were already underway regarding the addition of new franchises to the league, particularly in major European cities such as London, Paris, and Milan.

On March 25, the NBA is expected to hold a final vote on the expansion, which aims to increase the league to a total of 32 teams. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to tap into international markets and enhance the global appeal of the NBA. The excitement surrounding this potential expansion has attracted the attention of various investors and teams.

Recent reports indicate that the owners of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AC Milan are preparing to submit bids for NBA franchises in their respective cities. These teams are not only looking to establish a presence in the league but are also reportedly ready to invest in building new arenas to meet the NBA’s high standards for facilities. Such developments signal a serious commitment to the NBA’s European project.

In addition to PSG and AC Milan, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, which controls Newcastle United, is also positioning itself as a potential owner for a new team in London. This interest from powerful investors highlights the financial backing that could support the establishment of NBA teams in Europe.

All interested investors must submit binding bids by March 31 to secure a franchise in the European league. This deadline is fast approaching, and the competition among potential owners is heating up. The NBA’s requirement for high-quality facilities means that any new teams will need to ensure they have state-of-the-art arenas, which could lead to significant infrastructure investments in these cities.

Saudi business leaders have reportedly expressed readiness to construct a new arena in London, which would not only serve as a home for the potential NBA team but also enhance the sports landscape in the city. Similarly, the owners of PSG and AC Milan are looking to create modern venues in Paris and Milan, respectively, to attract fans and provide a top-tier experience for players and visitors alike.

As the March 31 deadline approaches, the landscape for NBA expansion in Europe is becoming clearer. The interest from established teams and wealthy investors indicates a strong desire to bring the NBA’s brand of basketball to European audiences. The outcome of the upcoming vote and the bids submitted will ultimately shape the future of basketball in these major cities.

Details remain unconfirmed, but the developments surrounding the NBA’s potential expansion into Europe are significant for the league and its stakeholders. The involvement of high-profile teams and investors could lead to a new era for basketball, with the NBA extending its reach and influence across the Atlantic.

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