NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced that the league expects to have clarity on potential expansion to new markets, including Las Vegas, by 2026. Silver spoke at T-Mobile Arena before the NBA Cup championship, emphasizing that discussions with league owners are ongoing and that Las Vegas and Seattle remain the leading candidates for expansion.
Silver explained that domestic expansion—growing from 30 to 32 teams—means selling equity in the league, making the economics of expansion more complex than simply adding global leagues. He described Seattle and Las Vegas as “incredible cities,” noting Seattle’s history with the NBA and Las Vegas’ success hosting the WNBA’s Aces, the NBA Summer League, and multiple NBA Cup games.
Las Vegas has become a major sports hub, already hosting NFL, NHL, and WNBA teams, with MLB set to arrive in 2028. Silver is confident that the city could support an NBA franchise despite the crowded market, stating the league is currently assessing interest levels and economic forecasts for potential teams. He anticipates a decision on expansion in 2026.
The NBA has considered expansion for several years, but only recently began a more thorough evaluation following a new collective bargaining agreement and media rights deal. Silver acknowledged the league’s ongoing public discussion about expansion, expressing sensitivity to the anticipation in target cities.
Hall of Famer James Worthy supported the idea of a Las Vegas NBA franchise, citing the city’s basketball culture and successful hosting of major sports events. Worthy believes Las Vegas is ready for an NBA team and says the league’s repeated events in the city have tested its viability as a franchise location. While Seattle also wants a team, Worthy suggested Las Vegas is likely the top priority for the NBA’s next expansion.