The NBA is taking a major step toward expansion as the league’s Board of Governors approved a vote to explore new franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday, March 25. The process could see expansion fees reach $7 billion to $10 billion per team.
The exploratory vote does not immediately add teams but allows the league to survey potential ownership groups and evaluate bids. Officials have described expansion as “when, not if,” signaling strong support among the governors. The formal addition of franchises could target the 2028–29 season if approved.
Seattle has been a long-discussed candidate, having previously hosted the SuperSonics before their 2008 relocation to Oklahoma City. A return would restore a historic market with a passionate fan base and NBA Finals experience. Las Vegas has emerged as a modern contender, hosting multiple Summer League events and growing as a major sports city.
The addition of two teams would expand the NBA to 32 franchises, requiring adjustments to conference alignments, scheduling, and talent distribution through an expansion draft. Each league vote must receive at least 23 of 30 governors’ approval to advance to the next phase.
The league expects the bidding process to generate competitive offers, with prospective owners submitting detailed proposals over the coming months. League executives will review financial stability, arena plans, and market viability before moving toward final approval.
Commissioner Adam Silver said the vote reflects the board’s interest in markets with strong NBA support. The league has engaged investment bank PJT Partners to evaluate ownership groups, arenas, and economic factors as part of the exploratory process.
“Today’s vote reflects our Board’s interest in exploring potential expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle — two markets with a long history of support for NBA basketball,” said Silver in a statement released by the league. “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.”
Expansion could reshape the competitive landscape in both conferences. The Eastern Conference is led by the Detroit Pistons (52-19), with the Boston Celtics (47-24) and New York Knicks (48-25) following. In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder (57-15) and San Antonio Spurs (54-18) are atop the standings. Adding new franchises may affect playoff seeding, scheduling, and player movement strategies.
League officials are signaling careful consideration to ensure new teams are sustainable and competitive. Both Seattle and Las Vegas offer distinct advantages: historical significance and fan engagement in Seattle, and economic growth and national exposure in Las Vegas.
The NBA has not set a firm date for a final expansion vote, but the upcoming exploratory process marks the first concrete step toward growing the league beyond 30 teams. Governors will assess all bids and may execute new franchise purchases immediately or delay for strategic reasons.