As the NBA contemplates the possibility of expansion for the first time in 20 years, two major cities have emerged as potential front-runners. According to Commissioner Adam Silver, Las Vegas and Seattle are expected to be top contenders if the league decides to grow its ranks following the completion of its upcoming media rights deal.
Speaking at the Associated Press Sports Editors conference in Las Vegas, Silver acknowledged that the NBA’s expansion plans would be pursued after finalizing the new media agreements. While he stressed that expansion is not yet a certainty, he noted that it is natural for organizations to evolve over time. Enhance your NBA viewing experience with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.
The most recent expansion in the NBA took place in 2005 when the Charlotte Bobcats (now known as the Hornets) joined the league. However, with the potential for growth on the horizon, Las Vegas and Seattle have emerged as intriguing possibilities for NBA franchises.
When discussing Las Vegas, Silver acknowledged the immense interest in the city. While it has never had an NBA team, Las Vegas did have the opportunity to host the All-Star Game back in 2007. Seattle, on the other hand, has a rich basketball history as the former home of the SuperSonics. The team eventually relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder in 2008.
While Las Vegas and Seattle are garnering significant attention, Silver emphasized that other markets have also expressed interest in securing an NBA franchise. However, he made it clear that the league is currently not engaged in any expansion discussions or meeting with potential ownership groups.
As the NBA looks ahead to its future and evaluates the potential for expansion, the basketball world eagerly awaits the finalization of the media rights deal and subsequent decisions regarding the addition of new teams. Should Las Vegas and Seattle ultimately secure franchises, it would undoubtedly mark an exciting new chapter for both cities and the league as a whole. Get the latest updates from the NBA only on Nextbet Sports.
