The NBA is launching new teams in Seattle and Las Vegas
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the NBA Board of Governors voted to begin the league’s expansion process. The organization authorized the acceptance of applications for two new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas.
This was announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
He emphasized that both cities have a strong basketball history and fan support. According to him, the league is ready for a new phase of development.
Each new team is expected to cost between $7 billion and $10 billion, and the franchises could make their debut as early as the 2028–29 season. This will be the largest expansion since 2004, when the Charlotte Bobcats joined the league.
For Seattle, this decision marks the long-awaited return of basketball. After the team moved to Oklahoma City in 2008, the city retained the rights to the Seattle SuperSonics brand.
The new franchise will likely inherit the history of the club founded in 1967, including the 1979 championship and the achievements of legends such as Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp.
The city already has a modern arena and a loyal fan base that has been demanding the team’s return for years.
For Las Vegas, this could be its first NBA team. At the same time, the city is already actively developing as a sports hub: it is home to NFL and NHL teams, and the Oakland Athletics baseball team is planning to relocate there.
The new franchise will have complete freedom in choosing its name and brand, which is already generating significant interest among fans.
Since both cities belong to the Western Conference, the expansion will force the league to reevaluate the balance of teams. It is expected that one of the current Western Conference teams may be moved to the East.
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies are among the leading candidates.
The NBA expansion could significantly change the league’s structure and open up new opportunities for both business and the development of basketball in the United States.
