While the NBA isn’t quite ready to dive into expansion talks just yet, Commissioner Adam Silver revealed that it’s a conversation that will take place later this season.
Speaking after the NBA’s board of governors meeting in New York, Silver shared that the league hasn’t officially begun discussions, but it’s certainly on the radar.
“There was not a lot of discussion in this meeting about expansion, but only largely not for lack of interest,” Silver explained during his press conference. “It was something that we told our board we plan to address this season, and we’re not quite ready yet. But I think there’s certainly interest in the process, and we’re not there yet in terms of having made any specific decisions about markets or even frankly to expand.”
The prospect of adding new teams to the NBA has been a hot topic for several years. Cities like Seattle and Las Vegas are often mentioned as leading candidates for potential new franchises.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Seattle, Las Vegas Expansion Updates
However, the league has been deliberate in addressing other priorities—primarily securing a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and media rights deal—before fully exploring expansion.
Now, with both the CBA and a new television deal secured, the league is poised to shift its focus toward the possibility of welcoming new teams. The next steps will likely involve forming a committee of NBA owners to evaluate potential markets and assess the overall viability of expansion.
Seattle and Las Vegas: Frontrunners for NBA Expansion?
Seattle has long been a favorite in the expansion conversation, with many hoping for the return of the SuperSonics, a franchise that relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008.
When asked about the possibility of the NBA returning to Seattle, specifically to the recently renovated Climate Pledge Arena (formerly Key Arena), Silver acknowledged that the league is constantly evaluating venues but stopped short of confirming any concrete plans.
“We’re always paying attention to what’s happening in other arenas throughout the United States when we do play games there. We look very closely at the support we get in those markets,” Silver remarked. “But incidentally, we look everywhere. I think we have a pretty good library now of arenas everywhere in the world.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Seattle, Las Vegas Expansion Updates
Las Vegas is another city that continues to generate buzz for NBA expansion. The city has become a thriving sports market, boasting successful franchises in the NHL and NFL. With the rise of sports betting and a growing entertainment landscape, Las Vegas has emerged as a top contender for an NBA team.
The Expansion Process: What’s Next?
Although the excitement around potential expansion is building, Silver emphasized that no decisions have been made regarding specific cities or the timing of adding new teams. The next step involves forming a committee of NBA owners who will explore the possibility of expansion and outline the process.
“I think there’s certainly interest in the process, and I think that we’re not there yet in terms of having made any specific decisions about markets or even frankly to expand,” Silver said.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Seattle, Las Vegas Expansion Updates
This exploratory committee will likely analyze potential markets, weigh the financial and logistical aspects, and determine the league’s best path forward. Expansion is a complex process that requires careful consideration of market demand, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability.
What Lies Ahead for NBA Expansion?
Though NBA expansion remains in the early stages, it’s clear that the league is on the verge of exploring it more seriously. With the collective bargaining agreement and media rights deal in place, the door is now open for the league to focus on potential new markets.
Cities like Seattle and Las Vegas are well-positioned as expansion candidates, each with strong fan bases, modern arenas, and the infrastructure needed to support NBA franchises. However, the process is complex, and the league will take its time before making any official moves.
As the 2023-24 NBA season progresses, fans in Seattle, Las Vegas, and other potential markets will be keeping a close eye on developments, hoping that their city could soon be home to the next NBA expansion team.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Seattle, Las Vegas Expansion Updates
For now, the league remains in the exploratory phase, but the conversation surrounding expansion is expected to pick up steam in the coming months, offering a glimpse into the NBA’s future growth trajectory.
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