NBA owners vote to explore expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle

In a landmark decision that could reshape the league’s footprint, NBA owners have formally voted to begin exploring expansion opportunities in Las Vegas and Seattle. The vote, announced Tuesday, signals the first official step toward adding two new franchises and ending a nearly two-decade freeze on league growth.

The resolution authorizes the NBA to conduct market analyses, stadium assessments and financial projections for both cities. No timeline for final approval was disclosed, nor were details on expansion fees or draft procedures. The league last expanded in 2004, when the Charlotte Bobcats joined as the 30th franchise.

Las Vegas has emerged as a front-runner after successfully hosting NBA Summer League games and the 2022 All-Star Weekend, while Seattle has long campaigned for the return of a team since the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. The vote does not guarantee expansion but opens the door for detailed negotiations with civic leaders, potential ownership groups and arena developers.

Commissioner Adam Silver has previously stated that any expansion process would be deliberate, requiring a three-fourths majority of owners for final approval. The next phase will focus on securing binding arena commitments and finalizing ownership bids before returning to the board for a binding vote at a future date.