Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

NBA Adds Vegas, Seattle Teams; Timberwolves Eye Eastern Move

6/4/2026

35 4

Summary

Timberwolves Eye East

The NBA announced expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle.
League officials said the Minnesota Timberwolves are the most likely candidate for an Eastern Conference move.
A realignment would place the Timberwolves alongside the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks.
Moving east could give Anthony Edwards a better chance to reach the NBA Finals during his prime.

Summary

Owners Vote

Expansion fees of $7 billion and $10 billion require a 75% owner vote to pass.
Owners’ share of the $77 billion media-rights pool would shrink, offset by the fees.
Potential owners include Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s MAGI, Bill Foley and Melinda French Gates.
A 16-team European league with 12 permanent and four flexible clubs targets a 2027-28 start.
The board aims to decide by year-end, likely after the July Summer League.

History

Historical Context

After the NBA’s 1995 expansion—when the league paid a record $125 million to add the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies and grew to 29 teams—the Board of Governors in March 2026 approved studies for new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas, targeting the 2028-29 season. Magic Johnson’s MAGI group and Bill Foley now seek the 75 % owner vote needed to mirror that historic growth.

1 of 3

Timberwolves Eye East

The NBA announced expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle.
League officials said the Minnesota Timberwolves are the most likely candidate for an Eastern Conference move.
A realignment would place the Timberwolves alongside the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks.
Moving east could give Anthony Edwards a better chance to reach the NBA Finals during his prime.

1 / 3