NBA expansion talks advance for Las Vegas and Seattle, but no decision made
Owners discussed potential teams in New York, with Las Vegas bids reportedly reaching or exceeding US$10 billion and decisions targeted by the end of 2026.
NBA owners have discussed possible expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, but took no vote and approved neither franchise at their meeting in New York.
Commissioner Adam Silver said several ownership groups remain involved in the Las Vegas process, with another round of bids expected shortly and final proposals to follow. ESPN’s Shams Charania, as quoted by Yahoo Sports, reported that Las Vegas bids could reach or exceed US$10 billion. That figure is a reported potential bid value, not a confirmed sale price.
Patrick Dumont, governor of the Dallas Mavericks and chairman and chief executive of Las Vegas Sands, led part of the discussion about potential arena sites in Las Vegas, according to Silver.
T-Mobile Arena, home to the WNBA’s Aces and NHL’s Golden Knights, would require significant improvements before it could host an NBA team. Silver said some ownership groups were proposing new stadiums.
The Las Vegas process is moving faster than Seattle’s, although Seattle could potentially host a team sooner. Climate Pledge Arena is considered close to NBA-ready, with possible modifications required for basketball.
Silver said the NBA’s goal is to make expansion decisions by the end of 2026. That remains a target rather than a firm deadline, and the league has not announced when any approved teams would begin play.
