NBA Expansion Talks Include Possible Plans for Las Vegas, Seattle Franchises

The NBA is moving closer than ever toward expanding from its current 30-team structure, with top league officials and potential host cities lining up ahead of a pivotal Board of Governors vote this summer.

Reports circulating this week indicate that owners may vote as early as mid-2026 on adding two new franchises, part of a long-anticipated shift in the league’s makeup that hasn’t occurred since the Charlotte franchise entered in 2004.

This development comes as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver continues to signal serious intent about expansion, following comments last December that the league would make a definitive decision in 2026 on whether to proceed with adding teams.

Leading Candidates: Seattle & Las Vegas

Multiple reports this week pointed to Seattle and Las Vegas as frontrunners to receive new franchises, should expansion be approved. Seattle has long been a nostalgic favorite due to the departure of the SuperSonics in 2008.

Las Vegas has also grown into a major sports hub with the arrival of NFL and NHL teams, not to mention hosting the annual NBA Summer League.

In Seattle, political leaders have begun pushing to bring back professional basketball. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson (D) met with Silver this week in what was publicly described as an introductory conversation about expansion efforts.

Las Vegas, meanwhile, continues to be seen as a strategic market given its existing sports infrastructure and tourism draw.

What a Vote Could Mean for the League

If the league’s Board of Governors votes to approve two additional teams this summer, the NBA would expand to 32 franchises for the first time in its modern era.

The decision would require careful consideration of scheduling impacts, media deals, and competitive balance — as well as potential conference realignment to accommodate the new teams. The addition of two new franchises would also offer additional opportunities for fans who enjoy using some NBA betting strategies. The league currently has betting partnerships with DraftKings and FanDuel.

Expansion could also set the stage for further interest from other large markets like Vancouver, Montreal, or Mexico City in future expansion discussions.

Silver has said that the league wants to strike the “right balance” between growth and sustained quality of competition. However, the appetite among owners for expansion has accelerated following the recent global surge in basketball’s popularity.

International Strategy Not Forgotten

In addition to domestic expansion, the NBA is continuing long-term efforts to extend its global presence, particularly in Europe. The league and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) have been exploring ways to create a new professional competition on the continent.

That initiative — often referred to in media as “NBA Europe” — has stirred debate about how it would interact with existing leagues and fanbases. But the plan underscores the league’s dual focus on both domestic growth and international brand expansion.

The talk of expansion comes as the league heads into All-Star Game weekend beginning with the annual Celebrity Game on Friday night.