NBA Set to Vote on New Teams in Seattle, Las Vegas; Expansion Draft & NBA Betting

The NBA is edging closer to a major expansion that could reshape the league’s structure, finances, and competitive landscape for the first time in more than 20 years.

With momentum building among ownership groups, Seattle and Las Vegas have emerged as the leading candidates for new franchises. ESPN reports that the league’s board of governors will hold a vote on adding franchises in the two cities meetings.

Expansion Plans Gain Momentum

If approved, the NBA would grow to 32 teams, with a projected debut for the new franchises in the 2028–29 season.

Expansion has been discussed for several years, but rising franchise valuations and strong interest from ownership groups have accelerated the timeline.

With each team potentially costing between $7 billion and $10 billion, expansion fees alone would deliver a significant financial windfall to current owners. Adding two additional teams also has the potential to boost television ratings as well, and also add some more option when it comes to NBA betting

Seattle and Las Vegas Lead the Way

Seattle remains a sentimental and strategic favorite. The city lost the SuperSonics in 2008, but sustained fan support and the presence of Climate Pledge Arena make it a ready-made NBA market.

A return to Seattle would instantly restore a historic brand and reignite one of the league’s most passionate fan bases.

Las Vegas, on the other hand, represents the NBA’s future-facing ambitions. Already home to the NHL’s Golden Knights and the NFL’s Raiders, the city has proven it can support major professional franchises.

The NBA has also held Summer League events in Sin City for years. T-Mobile Arena is a leading venue option, though discussions about a new, dedicated arena are ongoing.

Expansion Draft and Roster Building

A key component of the adding two new teams will be the expansion draft, expected to take place about a year before the new teams begin play. Under current projections, existing teams would likely be able to protect around eight players, leaving the rest of their rosters available for selection.

Expansion teams would then build their initial lineups by selecting from those unprotected players. Rules would likely limit how many players can be taken from a single team, helping maintain competitive balance across the league.

This process often creates league-wide ripple effects, as teams adjust rosters strategically to avoid losing key contributors while managing salary cap implications.

Realignment and Scheduling Impact

Adding two new teams will also require adjustments to the NBA’s conference structure. To maintain balance, one current Western Conference team—such as the Minnesota Timberwolves or Memphis Grizzlies—could shift to the Eastern Conference.

The league schedule could also expand slightly, increasing the total number of games and travel considerations. With more teams and a broader geographic footprint, scheduling logistics will become more complex, particularly for West Coast and travel-heavy franchises.

How Expansion Could Affect NBA Betting

The introduction of two new teams will create significant changes in NBA betting markets, offering both opportunities and challenges.

Expansion teams historically struggle in their early seasons, which could lead to larger point spreads and more predictable outcomes when they face established contenders. This may provide value for bettors backing stronger teams, particularly early in the season.

At the same time, futures betting markets will become more dynamic. Sportsbooks will introduce win totals, division odds, and championship futures for the new teams, creating additional betting options but also greater uncertainty due to limited historical data.

Las Vegas gaining a franchise could further transform the betting landscape. As a global betting hub, the presence of a hometown team may increase wagering volume.

Additionally, the expansion draft will introduce volatility. Teams losing key role players could see their odds shift, while expansion teams may uncover undervalued talent that outperforms expectations.

For bettors, this creates opportunities to identify inefficiencies before sportsbooks fully adjust. The NBA’s official sports betting partners are DraftKings and FanDuel.