NBA Considering Expansion to 32 Teams

The National Basketball Association is actively exploring the possibility of expanding beyond its current 30 teams, marking the first serious consideration of expansion in nearly two decades. The league’s Board of Governors is scheduled to meet on March 24 and 25, 2026, to discuss potential franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas, with a target launch date for the 2028–29 season.

A History of NBA Expansion

Since its inception in 1946 with 11 teams, the NBA has undergone several phases of expansion. Recent additions include the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat (1988), the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic (1989), the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies (1995 – the Grizzlies later relocated to Memphis in 2001) and the Modern Orleans Hornets (2002, now the Pelicans).

The progression of NBA expansion has seen the league grow from 11 teams to its current 30.

Las Vegas and Seattle as Leading Candidates

Commissioner Adam Silver has publicly identified Las Vegas as a strong candidate for an expansion team, stating in a February 2024 interview on The Pat McAfee Show that Las Vegas was an expansion team candidate. Seattle is also considered a top contender. Other cities mentioned as less likely options include Mexico City, Montreal, and Vancouver.

Playoff Qualification Structure

Currently, 16 teams qualify for the NBA playoffs, with eight teams from each conference (East and West). The six teams with the best records in each conference automatically qualify for the playoffs.

The remaining playoff spots are determined through the Play-In tournament, involving the teams finishing between seventh and tenth place in each conference. This format adds an extra layer of competition for playoff berths.

FAQ

• How many teams make the NBA playoffs? 16 teams, eight from each conference.
• How many teams qualify for the Play-In tournament? Eight teams, four from each conference.
• When is the potential launch date for new expansion teams? The 2028–29 season.