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The Future of NBA Expansion: 5 Cities to Watch
NBA expansion has been a topic of conversation for several years, with Commissioner Adam Silver first acknowledging the possibility back in December 2020. And while there is still no firm timeline, Silver recently made it clear that expansion remains very much on the table.
“A lot of analysis still needs to be done and nothing’s been predetermined one way or another, and without any specific timeline,” Silver said. “We’re going to be as thorough as possible and look at all the potential issues.”
In other words, nothing is imminent, but that does not mean the wheels are not turning. Expansion is coming, and it is entirely possible that new cities will be selected and announced in the not-too-distant future.
Adding new franchises would bring the game to fresh regions, create new fanbases, and generate even more revenue for the league. The only real question is where the NBA might land next.
Here are five cities most likely to receive serious consideration.
1. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is one of the fastest-growing sports cities in the United States. It is already home to the NFL’s Raiders, the NHL’s Golden Knights, and the WNBA’s Aces, and it will soon add Major League Baseball when the Oakland A’s complete their move. The city also hosts the NBA Summer League, making it no stranger to basketball. With a booming tourism economy, modern facilities, and a growing population of sports fans, Las Vegas is a natural candidate for NBA expansion.
2. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is no stranger to the NBA. The city was home to the beloved Supersonics until the franchise moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. Since then, fans have been calling for their return. Seattle is a major sports market with strong media reach and a passionate fanbase that never lost its love for basketball. The return of the Sonics would be welcomed by fans and players alike.
3. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City has hosted NBA games since 1992 and is currently home to the G League’s Capitanes. As the most populated city in North America, it offers massive growth potential and a chance to expand the NBA’s reach across Latin America. With the infrastructure already in place and a history of successfully hosting NBA events, Mexico City is a leading contender for international expansion.
4. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City has a rich sports history and already supports major teams in the NFL and MLB. It boasts a passionate fanbase, a centrally located market, and an NBA-ready arena in the T-Mobile Center. The city has hosted college basketball events and preseason NBA games, making it a strong candidate if the league looks to stay within the continental United States.
5. Louisville, Kentucky
Kentucky is one of the most basketball-obsessed regions in the country, yet Louisville has no major professional team. With a built-in love for the game and strong college basketball traditions, Louisville would welcome an NBA team with open arms. Its central location, available arena space, and potential regional support make it a compelling option.
What Comes Next?
It is no longer a matter of if the NBA will expand, but when. Some reports have suggested 2027 as a possible starting point, though that timeline is far from official. Commissioner Adam Silver has said the league wants to finalize its new media rights deal before moving forward with expansion.
Big-name players like LeBron James have expressed interest in owning a team someday, with Las Vegas reportedly at the top of his wish list. The expansion process will take time, but the groundwork is already being laid for what could be a historic shift in the NBA landscape.
Fans across these cities are ready. Now it is just a matter of waiting for the league to make its move.
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