NBA Eyes Expansion to Seattle, Las Vegas Teams

The National Basketball Association is on the verge of expanding to 32 teams, with its Board of Governors set to vote as early as next week on adding new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas, according to league insiders. The move, if approved by at least 23 of the 30 current owners, would mark the league's first expansion since 2004 and could see the new teams begin play in the 2028-29 season.

The proposal comes amid growing momentum for domestic growth, following years of the NBA's emphasis on international outreach through games in cities like Abu Dhabi and London. Expansion fees for the new franchises are projected to range from 7 billion to 10 billion each, drawing bids from high-profile ownership groups. In Las Vegas, discussions have involved Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo meeting with potential investors, including a group led by Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, who has expressed interest in pursuing a stake. Las Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley has also indicated willingness to invest up to 300 million in upgrades to T-Mobile Arena if his bid succeeds. Seattle, meanwhile, would welcome a return to the NBA after the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 following...