The National Basketball Association is actively pursuing expansion, with its Board of Governors recently authorizing formal exploration of bids for new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the league, which aims to increase its team count to 32. The process is expected to culminate in the addition of two new teams, potentially by the 2028-29 season, bringing professional basketball back to Seattle and introducing it to Las Vegas.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the board's interest, emphasizing the historical support for basketball in both cities. The move has been fueled by the potential for substantial revenue generation from these new markets. The league's constitution mandates a supermajority vote of 23 out of 30 owners to approve such an expansion, indicating strong collective desire among current franchise holders.
Following this initial approval, the next phase involves a meticulous evaluation of prospective ownership groups. The NBA has engaged PJT Partners, a renowned investment bank, to assess the financial health and long-term viability of potential investors in both Seattle and Las Vegas. These groups will be tasked with developing comprehensive business plans and funding strategies to present to the Board of Governors. If compelling proposals emerge, a final vote to formalize the expansion could occur later this year.
The return of the Seattle SuperSonics is a particularly exciting prospect for many fans. The original franchise, which played in Seattle from 1967 and won an NBA championship in 1979, relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 to become the Thunder. A prior settlement with the City of Seattle ensures that all SuperSonics intellectual property, including branding and historical records, would be transferred to a new ownership group at no cost. While not obligatory, reinstating the SuperSonics name and legacy is widely considered a logical and popular choice given the deep community ties and rich history.
In terms of venues, the new Seattle team is anticipated to play at Climate Pledge Arena, home to the NHL's Seattle Kraken. This arena, which underwent a $1.2 billion renovation completed in 2021, was designed with basketball in mind. For Las Vegas, the T-Mobile Arena, currently hosting the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights and NBA Cup events, is the most likely initial home for a new NBA franchise. Both arenas offer modern facilities suitable for professional basketball.
Interest in ownership groups is already surfacing. Samantha Holloway, owner of the Seattle Kraken, recently formed a new company with the express purpose of pursuing a Seattle NBA franchise. In Las Vegas, Bill Foley, who owns the Golden Knights and a stake in T-Mobile Arena, has also voiced his ambition to bring the NBA to the city, even planning significant arena upgrades. NBA legends like Magic Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal have expressed interest in joining ownership bids, although LeBron James has recently indicated he will not be part of such an endeavor.
The expansion draft mechanics would be a crucial aspect of forming these new teams. The last NBA expansion draft, which saw the Charlotte Bobcats join the league in 2004, allowed existing teams to protect a limited number of players. However, given the passage of time and a different collective bargaining agreement, the rules for this new expansion draft are subject to negotiation between the league and the National Basketball Players Association, potentially introducing new salary cap and trade exemptions.
The NBA's push for expansion into Seattle and Las Vegas marks a significant milestone in the league's growth. With meticulous planning for ownership, venues, and team formation, the league is poised to welcome two new franchises by the 2028-29 season. This move promises to revitalize basketball in Seattle and establish a strong presence in Las Vegas, benefiting both the league and its expanding fan base.
