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NBA Eyes Expansion to Seattle and Vegas by 2028

3/17/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The NBA plans to expand with new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas for the 2028-29 season.
Seattle, the largest U.S. city without an NBA team since 2008, is a priority.
The Board of Governors will vote next week to explore the move.
Expansion fees are estimated at $7 billion to $10 billion per team.
If approved, the league could implement an expansion draft that creates 30 new player positions.

History

Historical Context

The Seattle SuperSonics, established in 1967, relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 after failed negotiations for a new arena. This left Seattle without an NBA team, despite its status as the largest U.S. media market without one. As of 2024, the NBA is considering expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, with fees estimated between $7 billion and $10 billion per team, potentially revitalizing both markets.

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Story summary

The NBA plans to expand with new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas for the 2028-29 season.
Seattle, the largest U.S. city without an NBA team since 2008, is a priority.
The Board of Governors will vote next week to explore the move.
Expansion fees are estimated at $7 billion to $10 billion per team.
If approved, the league could implement an expansion draft that creates 30 new player positions.

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