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NBA Explores Adding Teams in Seattle, Las Vegas by 2028

3/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The NBA Board of Governors voted to explore adding two expansion teams in Seattle and Las Vegas.
A bidding process is expected to generate offers between $7 billion and $10 billion for each franchise.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized long-standing support for basketball in both cities, noting Seattle's 2008 SuperSonics departure.
The league aims for the teams to begin play in the 2028-29 season, pending further evaluations and approvals.

History

Historical Context

The Seattle SuperSonics, established in 1967, relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 after failed arena negotiations, leaving Seattle without an NBA team. As of 2026, the NBA is exploring expansion teams in Seattle and Las Vegas, with potential franchise values estimated between $7 billion and $10 billion, signaling a renewed commitment to these markets and reshaping the league's competitive landscape.

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Story summary

The NBA Board of Governors voted to explore adding two expansion teams in Seattle and Las Vegas.
A bidding process is expected to generate offers between $7 billion and $10 billion for each franchise.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized long-standing support for basketball in both cities, noting Seattle's 2008 SuperSonics departure.
The league aims for the teams to begin play in the 2028-29 season, pending further evaluations and approvals.

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