Podcaster and cultural critic Bill Simmons opined on the potential expansion of the NBA, stating that it would not yield positive results and would instead be a “money grab.” Seattle and Las Vegas are considered the primary potential markets, with expansion fees for new teams reportedly projected in the $7–$10 billion range.
Former shooting guard Tracy McGrady also criticized the move, pointing to an issue that the already 30-team league is failing to recognize.
The NBA has been one of the most popular sports leagues in the nation. However, the emergence of exceptional players has not been very effective in preventing the display of poor-quality basketball in the ongoing season.
While March Madness in the college realm has been shining bright, several key players are on injury layoffs, and teams like the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers continue to struggle with losing streaks in the NBA.
Bill Simmons Criticizes Potential NBA Expansion and Tanking Concerns
Now, as the NBA expansion takes shape, the Board of Governors will meet this week and is expected to discuss the matter on March 24–25 to determine the course of action. Seattle and Las Vegas are potential markets, with the SuperSonics aiming for a comeback and the league’s roster potentially expanding to 32 teams by the 2028–29 season.
Amid this, podcaster and critic Simmons highlighted a weak point, noting that the NBA needs to address tanking first, which is already affecting nine existing teams. Adding two more teams would only raise that number to 11. It would only mean more earning opportunities and nothing else.
“We have nine teams that don’t give a st right now in a 30-team league. The last thing we need to do is add two more teams that don’t give a st… I cannot accept two expansion teams and having 11 tanking teams three seasons from now instead of nine. If they do this, it’s a money grab. And they could say it’s like, ‘more jobs for everybody!’ Okay, cool. This is a money grab. This is going to make the league worse,” he said in a podcast episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast.”
READ MORE: Bill Simmons Names Victor Wembanyama ‘Best Player’ He Has Watched This Season
Tracy McGrady Questions NBA Talent Pool for Expansion
McGrady, a former player and two-time NBA scoring champion, also voiced his opposition to the proposal. He bluntly stated that the league doesn’t have enough talent to support two additional teams, even if it would increase revenue.
“I’m all for trying to increase the revenue… I’m just like, we have 30 teams, got a lot of players, 450 maybe more now. We don’t have the talent to be trying to start two more teams. I just don’t think we have the talent to start two more teams. Now, can we take away two teams & add two teams?”
A deep pool of high-level talent will be needed to support the decision; otherwise, it will be difficult to maintain quality across franchises.
