NBA Set to Vote on Expansion Teams in Las Vegas and Seattle
The NBA is poised to hold its first vote on expansion at next week's board of governors meetings, with plans to add franchises exclusively in Las Vegas and Seattle, according to sources who spoke with ESPN. The two new teams are targeted to begin play in the 2028-29 season, marking a significant step forward for the league's growth strategy.
Strong Momentum Behind the Expansion Push
Multiple sources indicate substantial momentum within the board of governors and league office to approve moving forward with accepting bids for franchises in both markets. Industry executives project proposals in the $7-10 billion range for each team, with both Las Vegas and Seattle expected to rank among the NBA's top eight revenue generators. The combination of market appeal and a parity-friendly collective bargaining agreement is expected to create robust interest from potential buyers.
To advance, 23 of the 30 governors must vote in favor during both voting rounds. The first vote will allow the league to focus exclusively on these two cities and initiate the bidding process. A potential final vote later in the year could finalize the expansion to 32 teams.
Why Some Owners Remain Cautious
While a growing number of owners support expansion due to projected long-term revenue growth in these markets, some hesitation persists. Certain owners worry about diluting their league equity from 1/30 to 1/32 and want to examine final bid valuations and individual franchise fees before committing to immediate expansion versus waiting several more years.
Recent Precedent in Other Sports
Las Vegas and Seattle have successfully attracted professional sports franchises in recent years. The NHL added the Golden Knights to Las Vegas in 2017 and the Kraken to Seattle in 2021. The NFL's Raiders relocated to Las Vegas in 2020, while Major League Baseball's Athletics are preparing for a 2028 move there. Las Vegas has hosted the WNBA's Aces since 2018, with the team winning championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
Seattle has been without an NBA team since 2008, when the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder. The Sonics played in the NBA from 1967 until their departure, which stemmed from a lease dispute over KeyArena. The arena underwent major renovations from 2018 to 2021 and is now known as Climate Pledge Arena, home to both the Kraken and WNBA's Storm.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated on December 16 that the league would make its expansion decision during the 2026 calendar year. The NBA last expanded in 2004 with Charlotte.
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about Las Vegas-Seattle.
View X conversation →🔮 Trade Seattle Sports on Kalshi
Did you know you can trade on Seattle sports outcomes on Kalshi — the only federally regulated prediction market in the US? Bet on Seahawks games, Mariners season outcomes, Kraken playoff runs, and more. No sportsbook account needed.
👉 Sign up at Kalshi.com and use promo code SEATTLEONTAP to get started.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.