NBA Expansion Leaves Seattle’s Status Uncertain

The NBA has not awarded an expansion team to Seattle, and commissioner Adam Silver has reportedly left team owners unsure whether the city remains a lock as the league weighs bids and a possible proposal from Mexico City. Brian Windhorst reported, citing ownership sources, that Silver told owners at a September Board of Governors meeting that Seattle’s status was uncertain. The sources said Seattle’s bids were substantially below those for Las Vegas, where the league is also considering expansion. Windhorst reported that a decision on the winning Las Vegas bid could come within weeks, while Silver’s reported target for a decision on Seattle is by the end of 2026. At least one Mexico City-based group approached PJT Partners, the NBA’s expansion adviser, with a proposal to launch a team and develop an arena district, according to Windhorst’s reporting. The league’s response to the proposal has not been publicly confirmed in the supplied accounts, and no franchise has been awarded. Windhorst characterized Mexico City’s emergence as potentially a “stalking horse” intended to encourage Seattle bidders to raise their offers. He has also said he still expects Seattle to receive a...