March 14, 2025 — In a groundbreaking move that signals the next chapter in the global expansion of basketball, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has officially announced that two new teams will be added to the league by 2026. The new franchises will be based in Mexico City and Toronto, marking the first time in history that the NBA will include teams based outside the United States and Canada in its regular season play. This expansion is expected to not only increase the league’s reach but also further solidify the NBA’s global presence.
The decision to add teams in Mexico City and Toronto comes after extensive discussions and research into growing the NBA’s international footprint. The NBA has long been a leader in globalizing the sport of basketball, with international stars, such as Dirk Nowitzki, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Dončić, playing crucial roles in the league’s success. Commissioner Adam Silver shared his excitement about the move during today’s press conference, stating, “The NBA has always been committed to the global growth of basketball, and this expansion is a natural next step in that journey. Mexico City and Toronto represent key markets with passionate fanbases and an untapped potential for the sport.”
Mexico City, which has been a regular host for NBA games in the past, will be home to the first-ever NBA franchise in Latin America. The city is one of the largest in the world, with a population of over 21 million people, and has shown a growing interest in basketball, with a significant number of young people playing the sport. NBA games held in Mexico City have drawn large crowds, and the announcement of a permanent team has been met with widespread enthusiasm. The new team will also provide the NBA with an opportunity to expand its reach into a crucial and rapidly growing market.
Toronto, already home to the Toronto Raptors, will now become the first city in NBA history to host two teams. The new franchise will be based in downtown Toronto, expanding the NBA’s presence in one of the most diverse cities in North America. This expansion will be a boon for both the Canadian and North American basketball communities, allowing for the development of local talent, increased media rights revenue, and deeper fan engagement.
The two new teams will be added as part of a broader strategic plan to increase the number of teams in the NBA, with the goal of promoting a more competitive and diverse league. The league has not yet released details on the names of the teams, though speculation suggests that both teams will likely incorporate local culture and community elements into their branding.
The expansion is expected to bring significant economic benefits to both cities, with jobs created in local venues, sponsorship deals, and increased tourism. In addition to the economic impacts, the move is seen as a pivotal moment in the NBA’s commitment to social impact, offering new opportunities for young athletes in Latin America and Canada to pursue basketball professionally and continue the development of grassroots programs in these regions.
While the announcement has been met with excitement, challenges remain. Both franchises will need to establish world-class facilities, attract top-tier talent, and adapt to the logistical hurdles of international travel. Additionally, the league will need to negotiate new broadcasting deals to accommodate games across multiple time zones, a challenge the NBA is already prepared to tackle with its robust international media partnerships.
As the 2026 season approaches, the introduction of these two new teams will undoubtedly change the NBA’s landscape, providing fresh rivalries, a broader fanbase, and new marketing opportunities. The league’s expansion into Mexico City and Toronto is a clear signal that the future of professional basketball is increasingly global, and the NBA is ready to lead the charge into the next era of sports entertainment.
