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NBA to Vote on Las Vegas, Seattle Expansion This Month

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

National Basketball Association (NBA) will vote March 24-25 on expanding to Las Vegas and Seattle, aiming for 2028-29 debut.
The vote requires approval from 23 of the 30 team governors.
If approved, the league will launch a bidding process for franchises valued at $7–$10 billion.
The expansion would be the NBA's first since 2004 and could trigger realignment by moving the Minnesota Timberwolves or Memphis Grizzlies to the Eastern Conference.

History

Historical Context

The NBA, founded in 1946 with 11 teams, has expanded to 30 franchises, with the last addition being the Charlotte Bobcats in 2004. As franchise values soared from $300 million to an estimated $7–$10 billion, the league now considers Las Vegas and Seattle for future expansion, aiming to enhance market reach and fan engagement, echoing historical trends of geographic and economic growth.

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Story summary

National Basketball Association (NBA) will vote March 24-25 on expanding to Las Vegas and Seattle, aiming for 2028-29 debut.
The vote requires approval from 23 of the 30 team governors.
If approved, the league will launch a bidding process for franchises valued at $7–$10 billion.
The expansion would be the NBA's first since 2004 and could trigger realignment by moving the Minnesota Timberwolves or Memphis Grizzlies to the Eastern Conference.

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