The NBA is on the brink of expansion, with Commissioner Adam Silver confirming that a decision will be made by 2026. This marks the first substantial announcement regarding an increase in the league’s current 30 teams since 2004.
NBA Expansion Plans
While the timeline remains flexible, it is likely that any expansion team could start playing as early as the 2027-28 season. Historically, the league took around a year and a half to prepare for the arrival of the Charlotte Bobcats, which began its journey in the 2004-05 season.
Historical Context
- The NBA last added a new team in 2004.
- Over the past 30 years, only one team has joined since Toronto and Vancouver entered in 1995.
- In contrast, the NHL has added six teams during this timeframe.
Las Vegas and Seattle are the leading candidates for new franchises, reflecting a similar trend in NHL expansions. Seattle is viewed as a strong option due to historical ties, while Las Vegas carries some uncertainty among league executives.
Division and Scheduling Implications
The integration of two new teams would necessitate realignment within the NBA. To maintain balance, one current Western team would likely shift to the Eastern Conference, evening each conference out to 16 teams.
Potential Candidates for Relocation
- Minneapolis
- Memphis
- New Orleans
The rationale suggests that relocating the Minnesota Timberwolves to the East could be the most practical solution. This realignment will create a need for an 82-game schedule, which can be adjusted to accommodate 32 teams by introducing eight divisions of four teams each.
Expansion Draft Overview
An expansion draft will follow the league’s expansion announcement, allowing new teams to build their rosters. The last expansion draft was held in 2004, and the upcoming draft will abide by the contemporary collective bargaining agreement.
Rules of the Expansion Draft
- Each team can protect eight players from being selected.
- Restricted free agents are included in protection lists but will become unrestricted if chosen.
- Teams must leave at least one player unprotected under contract.
Strategic planning by existing teams could result in limited high-caliber players available for selection, setting up a challenging scenario for Seattle and Las Vegas.
Future Prospects
Following the expansion draft, the new teams will participate in the NBA Draft, likely positioned towards the end of the selection order. Expansion teams will also have a reduced salary cap for the first two seasons, making free agency an integral strategy for building competitive rosters.
Overall, the path to expansion appears set, with excitement building among potential fans in Seattle and Las Vegas for the return of NBA basketball in their cities. As the league approaches this significant milestone, various logistical and structural adjustments will be key to its success.
