The NBA expansion has been a hot topic of debate for quite some time. Since 1995, the league hasn’t gone beyond the 30-team format. However, rumors and rumblings about potential additions have run rampant over the last decade.
Each year feels closer to the inevitable news rather than distancing itself from it. The league’s opportunities are endless, with markets like Seattle and Las Vegas primed for takeover and some additional Canadian influence.
Names like LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal have discussed their desire to own an NBA franchise. The latter was ready to team up with his one-time teammate in a potential stake for a Vegas expansion squad. Other NBA players, including Udonis Haslem, have spoken about their desire as well. In Haslem’s case, his interest is squarely on the Miami Heat. But the point remains the same.
Ever since Michael Jordan took over ownership duties for the Charlotte Hornets, the idea of a player-turned-owner has become more commonplace. Several NBA players, ranging from Magic Johnson to Kevin Durant, have already begun investing in other leagues.
Ownership stakes in football, soccer, baseball, and even pickleball make it even more inevitable that the NBA starts expanding. Recently, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spoke about plans for expansion and when the league will implement those changes.
Adam Silver confirms date to start talk of NBA expansion
Over the past few weeks, the rumblings have been louder than ever. James Dolan, fresh off building The Sphere in Las Vegas, spoke about how the NBA had to mimic the NFL. While that could scan as a broad statement, the most obvious difference is the number of teams. As such, news of expansion or at least the commencement of talks feels closer than ever.
Recently, at the Summer League in Las Vegas, the Commissioner spoke at length about the talks for an expansion. However, the most telling sign was when he envisioned the conversations beginning: “The NBA will turn to consideration of expansions once the media rights deal is finally finished.”
So far, the media rights deal has been a topic of great debate. As it stands, TNT might miss out on their slice with the league moving to a different network. As a result, fans would miss out on the exploits and banter of the NBA on TNT crew. Instead, the current offer stands at 11 years and $76 billion, as approved by the board of directors and governors. However, the deal isn’t fully done yet as Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav maintains the onus is on TNT Sports to match the offer.
How conversations could proceed and which cities are in consideration
“We’re not quite done with our media deals yet, but once we are, we will turn to consideration around expansion,” Silver said. “I will say it’s a bit more complicated than is suggested sometimes. Because just think of the immediate deals for example, once they are completed when you bring in new partners you’re diluting (the current teams).”
“Sometimes it seems as if we’re printing money when we expand, but actually it’s no different than selling equity in your business,” Silver continued. “So I think there needs to be a fair amount of modeling with the league office, working with existing owners, and really thinking through the long-term prospects. Again, not just economically but also (there’s) potential for dilution of talent.”
As a result, it feels like the expansion conversations are right around the corner. The league can move on to its next challenge once the media rights deal is officially done and dusted. However, a surplus of sites remains viable for a potential NBA expansion team.
The obvious candidates in Seattle and Las Vegas remain popular junctures. However, Silver has spoken about an affinity for Mexico City to join the conversations. Further, both Montreal and Vancouver were also in contact with the league about becoming a potential NBA city.
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