NBA Considers Expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas for 2028-29 Season

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has taken a significant step towards potential expansion, with all 30 team owners voting to explore bids from the cities of Seattle and Las Vegas. According to ESPN, the target for the new franchises would be the 2028-29 season, marking an exciting development for basketball fans in these two markets.

The decision to explore expansion comes as no surprise, as both Seattle and Las Vegas have long been considered potential candidates for new NBA teams. Seattle, in particular, has a rich basketball history, having previously been home to the Seattle SuperSonics, who relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008. Las Vegas, on the other hand, is a rapidly growing city that has increasingly become a hub for major sports franchises, including the Las Vegas Raiders of the NFL and the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL.

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The potential expansion would mark the first time the NBA has added new teams since the Charlotte Bobcats (now the Charlotte Hornets) joined the league in 2004. The move is seen as an opportunity to further grow the sport's popularity and reach, as well as provide new opportunities for talented players and coaches.

While the details of the expansion bids are still to be determined, the decision to explore these options is a significant step forward for the league. Both Seattle and Las Vegas have demonstrated a strong interest in hosting an NBA franchise, and the league's owners are clearly intrigued by the prospect of expanding to these markets.

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The process of evaluating the expansion bids will likely involve a thorough review of factors such as the proposed ownership groups, arena plans, and the overall viability of the markets. The league will also need to consider the potential impact on existing teams and how to ensure a fair and balanced competitive landscape.

Regardless of the outcome, the NBA's decision to explore expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas is a clear indication of the league's ambition to continue growing and diversifying its footprint. Fans in these cities will be eagerly awaiting the results of the league's evaluation and the possibility of welcoming a new NBA team to their communities.