The NBA is nearing expansion. Now that the new media rights deal is done, Commissioner Adam Silver said the NBA will turn to a “consideration of expansion”. The NBA has undergone several rounds of expansion since it began play in 1946. The league currently stands at 30 teams. The most likely cities reside in the west.
If the west brings into two teams then the Timberwolves, Grizzles, or Pelicans would move to the east for the league to be 16 teams on each side. The most recent examples are the additions of the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat in 1988; the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic in 1989; the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995 (who relocated to Memphis in 2001); and the New Orleans Hornets in 2002.
- Seattle: Seattle holds a deep-seated passion for basketball. They have been hungry for an NBA team since the departure of the SuperSonics in 2008. It was a heartbreaking loss for the city. The team relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder, leaving behind a devoted fan base longing for professional basketball. The absence of the Sonics is felt in Seattle’s sports culture, where basketball has a rich history.
Photo Cred: NBC Sports
2. Las Vegas: Las Vegas has emerged as a burgeoning sports city, showcasing its capability to host major sporting events with flair and efficiency. The NBA Summer League has found a successful home in Las Vegas, drawing basketball enthusiasts from around the globe. Moreover, the city boasts a strong presence in professional sports with teams like the NHL’s Golden Knights and the NFL’s Raiders already established, while an MLB team is anticipated. The success of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces underscores the city’s enthusiasm for basketball, cementing its potential as a future NBA franchise location. Lebron James has also shown interest in owning a team in Las Vegas.
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3. Mexico City: Mexico City represents a tantalizing prospect for NBA expansion, tapping into a vast and passionate basketball market south of the border. The NBA has strategically staged numerous games in Mexico City, gauging local interest and fostering a growing fan base. As the NBA continues to explore global expansion opportunities, Mexico City stands out as a prime candidate due to its sheer population size, economic influence, and fervent sports culture. The city’s readiness to embrace NBA basketball has been demonstrated through successful NBA Global Games.
Photo Cred: Forbes
