While the NBA has changed a lot over the past 20 years, one thing has remained fairly the same: the teams. That is, of course, barring the case of the current finalists, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who were the Seattle Supersonics before they shifted to the Paycom Center in 2008.
And while the Charlotte Hornets may have changed their name in 2014, they remain the last team to be added to the league back in 2004 when they were called the Bobcats.
But what has seemed probable for quite a while now doesn’t appear too far away anymore, as the league commissioner, Adam Silver, has confirmed that NBA expansion will be discussed during the offseason.
The NBA is betting on Vegas for a successful expansion
With the new media rights deal kicking in at the start of the 2025-26 season, the NBA’s robust financial position will allow it to tap into the country’s ripe basketball markets as it looks to expand. And while the demands to bring a franchise back to Seattle have been loud whenever expansion has been discussed, the recent sporting success of Las Vegas franchises has made it the frontrunner for the NBA.
Joey Mistretta of ClutchPoints reports that at least “three credible groups” hold interest in bringing an NBA expansion team to Las Vegas, boosting the commissioner’s expansion plans. The move would not only help the league discover untapped markets and drive up revenue, but it would also provide more spots at the highest level of the game.
News: At least “three credible groups” hold interest in bringing an NBA expansion team to Las Vegas, a person familiar with the situation tells ClutchPoints.
Story to follow.
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) June 12, 2025
The expansion in Las Vegas has appeared particularly desirable for the league when you look at the success the city’s franchises have enjoyed.
While the Las Vegas Aces’ fortunes turned upon their move to Nevada, as they won both their championships after the relocation, the Vegas Golden Knights displayed instant success in the NHL. Winning the Stanley Cup in just their sixth year, the Knights pose as a prime example of the city’s sporting potential.
What makes the destination further desirable for expansion is the pre-existing fan base the NBA has generated here over the past few decades. Being the home of the Summer League since 2004, Vegas sees the best new talents of the league compete here every year. And while the biggest stars don’t compete here, they can still be seen supporting their squad and adding to the stardom of the Summer League.
The NBA added another treat to its Vegas menu in 2023 when it scheduled the semifinals and finals of the in-season tournament to be held in the city. Both editions of the tournament, which have now been renamed the NBA Cup, attracted sellout crowds in Vegas, showing a clear appetite for hoops in the city.
While several factors indicate expansion to Vegas, the commissioner’s comments have left everyone guessing on the direction of the expansion.
“I do believe certain markets potentially can be additive to the NBA, and that’s what we’re going to look at, and I think part of it is geographic.” Adam Silver said on the “Dan Patrick Show,” “It’s a big country, you know, making sure we’re represented, you know, all around the country, and then over time, maybe there’s more we can do in Canada and Mexico City is a city we’ve talked about before.”
“This is the summer we’re going to look at it seriously.”
– Commissioner Adam Silver on #NBA expansion. pic.twitter.com/ob5hRLkayi
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) June 11, 2025
The commissioner further clarified that while the league recognizes expansion is the next step, he believes the timeline for the same is yet to be decided.
“Whether, even if we were to announce we’re engaged in a process [of expansion discussions],it’s not clear to me at what moment they would start playing.” he said.
So while it’s unclear when and how the league will expand, Silver has confirmed their plans aren’t hollow. “This is the summer we’re going to look at it seriously.”
