NBA Board of Governors Approves Vote to Explore Expansion in Seattle and Las Vegas

Jason Dayee
NBA logo during the NBA All-Star Jam Session at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

The NBA took a monumental step toward growing its footprint on Wednesday. The league board of governors officially voted to approve a plan allowing the NBA to formally explore expansion franchises exclusively in Seattle and Las Vegas. While the vote does not guarantee that either city will receive a team immediately, it opens the door for a bidding process that will reshape the professional basketball landscape. Commissioner Adam Silver noted both cities boast a long history of support for NBA basketball.

The Financial Stakes and Bidding Process

Bids for each new franchise are expected to fall in the staggering range of $7 billion to $10 billion. These valuations represent a massive payday for the current 30 ownership groups, since expansion fees are not shared with players. If the league secures bids at the top of that range, current owners could receive upwards of $650 million each.

The NBA hired investment bank PJT Partners to serve as a strategic advisor. The firm will evaluate prospective markets, ownership groups, arena infrastructure and the economic implications of the expansion. The league is prepared to undergo a rigorous vetting process. Prospective buyers will face months of detailed forensic examinations of their financial capabilities to ensure they can sustain a record-setting franchise fee.

A Long-Awaited Return for Seattle

For basketball fans in the Pacific Northwest, this news brings genuine hope to a city that has mourned the loss of its beloved franchise for nearly two decades. The Seattle SuperSonics were a staple of the NBA from 1967 until they relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. The deep basketball culture in Seattle never faded, and current NBA players who grew up in the area are already celebrating the potential return of the team.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray was just 11 years old when the Sonics left. He grew up idolizing local legends like Gary Payton, Ray Allen and Shawn Kemp. Murray noted that Seattle is a basketball city with a rich culture, making it mandatory for the league to bring a team back. Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero echoed those sentiments. Another Seattle native, Banchero acknowledged that the city has been waiting and hoping for a return for a long time.

The emotional impact extends beyond the players. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr called the SuperSonics an iconic franchise and admitted he was shocked when the league abandoned such a great basketball market. Kerr emphasized that the fans in Seattle deserve a team. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared the time is right and stated his intention to be present at tipoff with thousands of fellow fans when the Sonics return. If a franchise returns, it is widely expected that the new team would reclaim the SuperSonics name, logo and color scheme.

Las Vegas Cements Its Status as a Sports Mecca

While Seattle is seeking to reclaim its past, Las Vegas is looking to crown its rapid ascent as a global sports destination. The NBA has never had a permanent franchise in Las Vegas, but the league already maintains a massive presence in the city. Las Vegas has hosted the NBA Summer League since 2004, turning it into a premier offseason event for executives, media and fans. More recently, the city became the home of the NBA Cup semifinals and championship games.

Bringing a permanent team to the desert feels like a natural progression, as Las Vegas has proven it can support major professional sports. The city recently welcomed the NHL Golden Knights, the WNBA Aces and the NFL Raiders. With the MLB Athletics also moving to the city, an NBA franchise would complete the professional sports quadfecta. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo praised the vote for its potential to provide entertainment, jobs and economic growth.

What Happens Next for the League

With the board of governors granting permission to explore expansion, the NBA will now field bids and evaluate ownership groups over the coming months. The league is reportedly targeting the 2028-2029 season for the two new franchises to begin play. This timeline gives prospective owners ample time to finalize arena deals, hire front office staff and build out their organizations.

If both cities are awarded teams, the additions will require logistical adjustments across the league. Both Seattle and Las Vegas would naturally enter the Western Conference. To balance the league, one current Western Conference team like the Memphis Grizzlies or Minnesota Timberwolves would likely relocate to the Eastern Conference.

Furthermore, the league will need to establish rules for an expansion draft. During the last expansion in 2004 when the Charlotte Bobcats joined the league, existing teams were allowed to protect a core group of eight players. Unprotected players were eligible to be drafted, with each current team only losing a single player. As the NBA navigates the complex financial and logistical hurdles of adding two new teams, the basketball world is officially on notice. The dream of a 32-team league is closer to reality than ever before.

Originally from Staten Island, New York, I’ve spent most of my adult life in Arizona, where my passion for sports continues to grow. A proud University of Arizona graduate, I developed my journalism skills covering mostly football, basketball, and a few other sports for the Daily Wildcat and UATV-3.

Now covering the Kansas City Chiefs for Total Apex Sports, I aim to tell authentic stories that highlight the journeys, triumphs, and challenges of athletes today. I’m passionate about connecting with readers through honest and insightful coverage that reflects my deep love for the game.