NBA Set to Vote on Expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, Vancouver Misses Out
NEW YORK, NY – March 17, 2026 – The NBA is on the verge of expanding, with owners set to vote next week on adding franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas, according to reports. The vote, to be held at the board of governors meetings, would initiate a process potentially bringing basketball back to Seattle – which lost its team in 2008 – and establishing a franchise in Las Vegas for the first time. While Vancouver was previously mentioned as a potential candidate, it is no longer under consideration. If approved, the expansion could see new teams start play as early as the 2028-29 season, and may require a conference shift with either Minnesota or Memphis potentially moving to the Eastern Conference. Franchise fees are expected to range between $7 and $10 billion.
NBA Expansion on the Horizon: Las Vegas and Seattle Primed for Teams
After years of speculation, the National Basketball Association is taking concrete steps toward expansion, potentially adding two new franchises to its ranks. The league’s board of governors is scheduled to vote next week on a proposal to explore expansion opportunities, with Las Vegas and Seattle emerging as the exclusive frontrunners.
A Return to Seattle and a First for Las Vegas
Seattle, which lost the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City in 2008, appears poised to reclaim its NBA identity. Las Vegas, a burgeoning sports market, would gain its first NBA team, adding to its growing portfolio of professional sports franchises. This marks the first time the NBA has seriously considered expansion since 2004, when the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) rejoined the league.
The Financial Implications of Expansion
Industry executives project that each expansion franchise could command a price tag between $7 billion and $10 billion. This substantial investment reflects the immense value of NBA franchises and the lucrative potential of the Las Vegas and Seattle markets. The financial windfall is a key factor driving support for expansion among team owners, despite initial concerns about diluting league revenue.
Currently, each owner holds approximately 1/30 of league equity. Adding two teams would reduce that share to 1/32, a prospect that initially gave some owners pause. However, the anticipated revenue generated by the new franchises is expected to outweigh this dilution, making expansion a financially attractive proposition.
Western Conference Realignment on the Cards
With the addition of two teams to the Western Conference, some degree of realignment is anticipated. Reports suggest that either the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Memphis Grizzlies could potentially move to the Eastern Conference to maintain competitive balance. This shift would ensure that both conferences remain relatively equal in strength and competitiveness.
NHL’s Success Paves the Way
The success of the NHL in both Las Vegas and Seattle has demonstrated the viability of these markets for professional sports. The Vegas Golden Knights, established in 2017 and the Seattle Kraken, which began play in 2021, have quickly become integral parts of their respective communities, proving that both cities can support and sustain major league teams.
Vancouver’s Hopes Dashed, For Now
Despite previous mentions by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as a potential expansion city, Vancouver has been excluded from the initial consideration. While Silver acknowledged the possibility of future expansion into Canada, the current focus is solely on Las Vegas and Seattle. Vancouver last hosted an NBA team, the Grizzlies, before they relocated to Memphis in 2001.
The Road Ahead: A Two-Step Process
The upcoming vote represents the first of two critical steps toward NBA expansion. If approved, the league will initiate the process of soliciting bids from potential ownership groups in Las Vegas and Seattle. A final vote to finalize the transactions and officially welcome the new teams is expected later this year. Both voting rounds require the approval of at least 23 of the 30 team governors.
FAQ: NBA Expansion
- What cities are being considered for NBA expansion? Las Vegas and Seattle are the only cities currently being considered.
- When could new teams begin play? The targeted start date for new franchises is the 2028-29 season.
- How many votes are needed to approve expansion? At least 23 of the 30 team governors must vote in favor in both voting rounds.
- Will the Western Conference necessitate to be realigned? Yes, it’s likely that either the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Memphis Grizzlies will move to the Eastern Conference.
The NBA’s potential expansion represents a significant moment for the league and the cities of Las Vegas and Seattle. The financial implications, competitive balance, and fan enthusiasm all point toward a bright future for the NBA as it continues to grow and evolve.
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