Seattle and Las Vegas could be joining the NBA family very soon.
The league has shown interest in adding two new teams following the end of its television and media rights deal in 2024. Longtime NBA columnist John Canzano reported that Seattle and Las Vegas have “already been earmarked” for expansion by the league.
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For Seattle, one of the league’s most passionate fanbases could see their beloved Supersonics return home. The Sonics won the Western Conference in 1978, 1979, and 1996, winning the Championship in ’79. The team moved to Oklahoma City in 2008, one year after they drafted Kevin Durant.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas’ inclusion in the NBA is long overdue. Previously, the city’s widespread gambling was cause for concern, keeping professional sports leagues from investing in Las Vegas. With the increasing legalization of sports betting, along with the addition of NFL, NHL, and WNBA franchises in Vegas, it seems highly likely Sin City will join the NBA family soon.
Of course, there are still a lot of steps that need to be taken before anything becomes official. The NBA needs to approve expansion with the existing owners, approve capable new ownership groups, and find a proper NBA-ready arena in the right market. Additionally, adding two west-coast teams will likely mean the league will need to undergo realignment to maintain the East/West balance.
The league has consisted of 30 teams since the Charlotte Bobcats were added in 2004. Other potential locations for expansion include St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Mexico City, and a return to Vancouver.
The NBA has yet to release an official statement on expansion. We’ll keep you updated as the story develops.
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