The NBA announced it is beginning a study into possible expansion; Las Vegas and Seattle are expected to be front-runners. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
The NBA’s Board of Governors has approved a comprehensive study to examine the addition of new franchises. The meeting marks the NBA’s first formal move following years of speculation about the league’s intentions to expand beyond its current 30 teams.
The study will explore and analyze economic implications, such as revenue impact and franchise valuation, as well as logistical factors like talent allocation and market preparedness. Research will be led by two committees, the advisory finance committee and the audit and strategy committee, which are made up of select team owners.
In a press conference, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said that the first phase will include examining specific markets and understanding the opportunities they present. He noted that the discussion is just the first step, and no analysis guidelines or timeframes have been determined yet.
“Understanding the facilities that are available to us to play in. Understanding the interest from local businesses and understanding the overall appetite in those markets that are expressing interest to us,” Silver said.
Las Vegas and Seattle stand out as primary candidates to receive bids for expansion teams
While no path or timeline has been defined, Las Vegas and Seattle stand out as primary candidates to receive bids for expansion teams, thanks to their established NBA events, venues, and sports infrastructure. In the press conference, Silver referred to Las Vegas as the league’s “31st franchise.”
President of Las Vegas Conventions and Visitors Authority Steve Hill said that the city has at least three groups that are highly qualified to bring an NBA franchise. NBA’s LeBron James, Hall of Famer and part-time Las Vegas resident Shaquille O’Neal, and boxer Floyd Mayweather were among the names mentioned to drive the expansion.
“There’s no better place to bring the next franchise in the NBA but here. It’s been a basketball city forever, huge NBA following, and obviously we’ve got a great relationship (with the NBA) already,” Hill said.
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