The NBA is taking a major step toward expansion, with a formal vote at the upcoming Board of Governors meeting to explore adding new teams in Las Vegas and Seattle.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, “The NBA will vote at a board meeting next week to explore adding expansion teams specifically in Las Vegas and Seattle, with the two new teams aiming to begin play in the 2028-29 season.”
This preliminary vote will not finalize the expansion, but it represents the first major checkpoint in a multi-step process. If approved, the league would begin accepting bids from the two city ownership groups, which would then require a second vote to officially confirm the two teams' inclusion.
“There is momentum within the board and league offices to approve continued bids for the Las Vegas and Seattle franchises,” Charania reported.
Financially, the move could reshape the league.
“Industry executives have proposed proposals of $7 to $10 billion per team and estimate both markets will be among the NBA's top eight revenue sources,” Charania added.
For Seattle, it would mark a long-awaited return to the Sonics, who left in 2008. Meanwhile, Las Vegas will get its first NBA team after successfully supporting NHL, NFL and WNBA teams.
If expansion is approved and completed as scheduled, both teams are expected to join the Western Conference. That could force a reshuffle of teams, with Charania noting that the Minnesota Timberwolves or Memphis Grizzlies could move to the East to balance the league.
Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated a timeline for a decision, saying the league expects to determine its expansion direction by 2026.
All eyes now turn to voting, the NBA's first step toward becoming a 32-team league.
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