The National Basketball Association (NBA) is considering expanding its horizons to include new teams in Seattle and Las Vegas. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the NBA Board of Governors will vote later this month on whether to formally explore adding these expansion franchises.
Expansion Plans for Seattle and Las Vegas
If approved, the new teams are projected to begin play in the 2028-29 season. There appears to be significant momentum toward securing approval for expansion bids, which may collectively exceed $10 billion.
Voting Requirements
In order to advance the expansion plan, the NBA needs to conduct two rounds of voting. A minimum of 23 out of the 30 team governors must support the proposal in each round.
Historical Context
This potential expansion marks the first time the NBA has considered adding teams since 2004. The last team to enter the league was the Charlotte Bobcats, who have since rebranded as the Charlotte Hornets.
- Seattle’s NBA History: The city was home to the SuperSonics from 1967 until 2008, when the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder.
- Las Vegas’s NBA Aspirations: While Las Vegas has hosted other major sports franchises, such as NHL and NFL teams, it has yet to establish an NBA franchise.
- Current Events: Las Vegas also serves as the venue for the NBA’s annual Summer League.
As discussions continue, the landscape of professional basketball could soon change, allowing NBA fans in Seattle and Las Vegas to celebrate their own teams in the coming years.
