NBA approves vote to explore Las Vegas and Seattle expansion bids
The NBA’s Board of Governors has approved a vote to officially explore expansion franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle, targeting the 2028-29 season.
A formal bidding process will now commence to assess potential ownership applicants.
Offers for each new team are expected to reach unprecedented figures in the $7bn to $10bn (£5.5bn to £7.8bn) range.
This significant move marks the beginning of the league’s widely anticipated expansion to 32 teams.
Multiple high-ranking officials have previously termed the expansion process as “when, not if.”
Billion-dollar valuations expected
North America’s premier basketball competition will examine prospective bids over the coming months.
A final vote to formally establish the new sporting franchises could take place later this year.
For the historic additions to be ratified, 23 of the 30 current governors must vote in favour of the proposals.
Franchise values have surged recently, highlighted by the Los Angeles Lakers selling for a record $10bn in 2025.
A highly anticipated return to Seattle
The addition of a Seattle franchise would see top-tier basketball return to the city for the first time since 2008.
The much-loved SuperSonics departed for Oklahoma City over a stadium lease dispute 16 years ago.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas has rapidly established itself as a premier destination for major professional sports.
The Nevada city already successfully hosts the WNBA’s Aces, alongside the NFL’s Raiders and NHL’s Golden Knights.
Conference realignment on the horizon
Adding two new Western Conference teams will necessitate a structural reshuffle to maintain regional balance.
League executives expect either the Minnesota Timberwolves or Memphis Grizzlies to switch to the Eastern Conference.
This adjustment would ensure a perfectly even split of 16 teams across both geographical divisions.
The competition has remained at 30 teams since its last expansion in 2004, when Charlotte joined the ranks.