Published on: March 16, 2026, at 09:59h.

Updated on: March 16, 2026, at 10:03h.

• NBA governors are set to decide next week on whether to initiate formal expansion bids for Las Vegas and Seattle
• Franchise valuations projected between $7-10 billion are fueling enthusiasm, though owners express caution regarding dilution
• The Oak View Group is currently investigating alternative sites after ceasing plans for construction five miles south of the Strip

The NBA Board of Governors will conduct a significant vote next week regarding the formal evaluation of new franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle, as reported by ESPN. This crucial decision during the board’s meeting on March 24-25 marks the most substantial move toward league expansion in over 20 years.

A positive vote would enable the league to commence a structured bidding process that specifically targets these two markets, aiming to integrate both teams by the 2028-29 season.

There is increasing momentum for expansion within the league’s front office and a rising group of team owners. Current industry forecasts indicate that bids for each new franchise could be valued between $7-10 billion — a significant increase from recent franchise transactions and indicative of the economic power of both locations.

Experts predict that both Las Vegas and Seattle would quickly rank among the NBA’s top eight revenue-producing teams, supported by robust local economies, state-of-the-art venues, and the league’s economically balanced collective bargaining agreement.

One More Step Ahead

The upcoming vote is just the first of two steps needed. If approved, the league will begin accepting formal bids followed by another vote later this year to finalize the expansion to 32 teams. All major league actions require 23 out of 30 governors to approve in both phases.

While many owners see the long-term financial benefits of expansion, some remain wary of dilution — their ownership stakes would reduce from 1/30 to 1/32 — and prefer to see final valuations before making any commitments.

Las Vegas and Seattle present strong cases for expansion. Las Vegas has swiftly emerged as a center for major league sports, acquiring the NHL’s Golden Knights in 2017 and the NFL’s Raiders in 2020. There are unconfirmed reports that the MLB’s Athletics may begin the 2028 season at the site of the former Tropicana.

The Strip also hosts the WNBA’s Aces, who have secured three championships since their relocation in 2018.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has consistently stated that a final decision on expansion will be made this year. The last expansion took place in 2004 when Charlotte re-entered the league, and the NBA is also considering bids for a future European division, with proposals due by March 31, 2026.

If Las Vegas and Seattle receive approval, league officials anticipate that either Minnesota or Memphis will transition to the Eastern Conference to maintain balance at 16 teams per conference.

Potential Home for New Teams

In 2024, the Oak View Group (OVG) — a well-funded Denver-based organization viewed as the leading candidate to construct a new NBA arena in Las Vegas — scrapped its $10 billion plans to build south of the Strip due to financial disagreements with the landowners from Florida.

Following this, OVG is believed to have shifted focus to the Rio, where Vital Vegas reported that they are exploring possibilities on 22 excess acres available there.

However, just last Thursday, Resorts World president and CFO Carlos Castro reportedly informed the Nevada Gaming Control Board that 46 excess acres at his resort present “the prime location for an arena in the future.”