The NBA could move closer to adding new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas next week, when the league’s board of governors is scheduled to discuss expansion, sources told The Associated Press.
A formal vote is expected to determine whether these two cities will be the sole expansion targets for now.
Approval would require a three-fourths majority of governors — 23 of the league’s 30 teams. During the meeting, owners are also expected to receive updates on potential plans for a new league in Europe and the league’s partnership with FIBA.
Expansion has long been on the NBA’s agenda, with Commissioner Adam Silver confirming multiple times that a decision would be made by the end of 2026. “We’re looking at this market in Las Vegas. We are looking at Seattle,” Silver said in December.
Key considerations include the expansion fee, projected to be in the billions, the impact on the on-court product, and potential dilution of talent. If both cities are added, one Western Conference team — likely Minnesota, Memphis, or New Orleans — may move to the Eastern Conference to balance the league at 16 teams per conference.
Seattle previously hosted the SuperSonics until the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. Las Vegas has been a longtime target for expansion, with names like Magic Johnson often mentioned as potential ownership candidates.
