As the NBA regular season heads toward the postseason, the league as a whole still needs to address league matters. With the league’s focus on growing the game globally, the commissioner’s office believes more opportunities in America could help.
As a result, the league will vote on expanding, with ESPN reporting that the upcoming board of governors meeting will include a decision on exploring the addition of Seattle and Las Vegas franchises beginning with the 2028-29 season. Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady opened up about what he feels about the league’s potential direction.
Hall of Fame SG Tracy McGrady Voices Strong Opinion Against NBA Expansion
With the NBA expecting to conduct an expansion vote next week, takes and opinions continue to flow. On his “Cousins with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady” podcast, McGrady is the type to voice his displeasure with expansion and explain his reasoning against it.
“We got 30 teams,” McGrady said. “We don’t have the talent to be trying to start two more teams. Can we take away two teams and add two teams? I’m saying keep it at 30. The talent to me is down, bro.”
Tracy McGrady says he doesn’t think the NBA has enough talent to add expansion teams:
“We got 30 teams. We don’t have the talent to be trying to start two more teams. Can we take away two teams and add two teams? I’m saying keep it at 30. The talent to me is down bro!”
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The last time the NBA expanded standard roster sizes was in 2017, when teams increased from 15 to 17 players with the introduction of two-way contracts. Under the 2023 CBA, the number of two-way slots per team was later expanded from two to three, though that adjustment did not alter the base 15-man standard roster limit, only the number of two-way positions.
Several things have also increased league-wide. For instance, the pace of play over the past five years has increased to levels that almost resemble those of the 1980s, when teams played a much faster style.
Additionally, the 2020s saw field goal percentages rise to levels similar to those of the 1990s. Not to mention, the embracing of positionless basketball, where traditional roles like center gave way to pivots that can stretch the floor and shoot.
Regarding a lack of talent, the league draws athletes not just from American universities. The league states that players from 43 countries populated rosters on opening night.
McGrady mentioned wanting the league to contract, possibly eliminating two teams, and bringing in the two expansion franchises. The league has not folded a team since the Baltimore Bullets in 1954.
With teams like the Boston Celtics selling in excess of $6 billion, league management will not cut off the revenue avenues. Estimates currently center on expansion franchises costing $7 billion to $10 billion to enter.
According to Sportscasting.com, the NBA and Major League Baseball both bring in $10.9 billion annually. However, the NBA plays 50.6% fewer regular-season games. Plus, they have a solid local and national television deal and a salary cap.
Interest in the NBA sees the league average over 18,000 fans per game. Fans appear energized about the prospect of two new teams. If the Board of Governors votes for expansion, teams could begin play in the 2027–28 season.
