February 19, 2025
In a landmark decision for the NBA, the league announced today that it will expand to 32 teams, adding franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle beginning with the 2026 season. The February 19 announcement marks a major milestone for the league, as the NBA looks to further solidify its position as one of the most popular and profitable sports leagues in the world. The expansion is seen as part of the NBA’s broader strategy to capitalize on growing fan bases in new markets and increase its global influence.
The new teams will be based in two of the most vibrant and underserved sports cities in the U.S., with Las Vegas emerging as an entertainment and sports powerhouse and Seattle’s basketball culture demanding the return of a professional NBA team since the Sonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. This decision is expected to generate excitement in both cities and set the stage for a new era of NBA competition.
“Today marks a historic moment for the NBA and its fans,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “Las Vegas and Seattle are two cities with thriving basketball cultures, and we are excited to bring NBA teams to these passionate fanbases. This expansion is about more than just adding teams; it’s about bringing our game to new markets, enhancing the overall experience for our fans, and continuing to grow the sport on a global scale.”
Las Vegas, which has rapidly become a prime destination for sports and entertainment, has already hosted successful NBA Summer League games for years, solidifying the city’s position as a hub for basketball. The new franchise, to be officially named in the coming months, will play at a state-of-the-art arena that is currently under construction near the Las Vegas Strip. The team is expected to draw from a diverse and growing fanbase, including tourists, local residents, and a rapidly expanding international audience.
Meanwhile, Seattle’s long-awaited return to the NBA is set to reignite one of the most passionate fan bases in the league. The new team will play at the renovated Climate Pledge Arena, which is also home to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. Seattle, which had a long history of success with the SuperSonics, will bring a sense of nostalgia for fans who have been clamoring for a return of professional basketball to the city. The new franchise is expected to quickly become a major force in the Northwest region, with fans eager to support their team after over 15 years without an NBA presence.
The league’s decision to expand also comes in the wake of the NBA’s continued success both domestically and internationally. The NBA has been at the forefront of growing the game worldwide, particularly in Europe and Asia, with growing TV ratings, digital engagement, and partnerships in these regions. The addition of two teams in major markets like Las Vegas and Seattle is expected to further enhance the NBA’s global appeal, attracting new sponsorships, merchandise sales, and international viewership.
The impact of the expansion will also be felt in the business side of the league. The NBA is poised to generate significant revenue from the sale of expansion fees, expected to be in the range of $2.5 billion per team. The revenue from these fees, as well as increased broadcasting and sponsorship deals, is expected to strengthen the financial foundation of the league and provide new resources to improve its overall product.
While the excitement surrounding the expansion is palpable, questions remain about how the league will handle the logistical challenges associated with adding two new teams. NBA officials have stated that they are working on adjusting the league’s divisional structure, schedule, and playoff format to ensure a smooth transition for all 32 teams. Some concerns have also been raised about the balance of talent between the 30 existing teams and the new franchises, with the NBA planning an expansion draft to help stock the new teams with a competitive roster.
As the 2025-2026 season approaches, fans in Las Vegas and Seattle are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new teams, with hopes high that both franchises will be competitive contenders. The addition of these two teams marks a new chapter for the NBA, which will look to continue its expansion both on and off the court, growing the game in new and exciting ways.
In the coming months, the league will announce further details regarding team names, logos, coaching hires, and player acquisitions, but for now, the focus is on celebrating the NBA’s historic expansion and the promise of a brighter future for basketball in two of America’s most dynamic cities.
