From California Post · · 1m 30s
NBA expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle at record prices
The NBA is moving forward with expansion teams for Las Vegas and Seattle, with franchise fees potentially reaching $10 billion.
In brief
The NBA is moving forward with expansion teams for Las Vegas and Seattle, with franchise fees potentially reaching $10 billion. Las Vegas and Seattle are poised to become NBA cities again, with expansion fees far exceeding the $300 million Charlotte paid in 2004. Originally reported by California Post.
NBA expansion talks accelerating
The NBA is advancing expansion conversations for Las Vegas and Seattle, with Las Vegas bids potentially exceeding $10 billion and Seattle around $7 billion.
“The NBA and Adam Silver are in deeper and deeper stages of the expansion conversation”
Las Vegas bids due Thursday
Next round bids for the Las Vegas expansion team are due Thursday, with final bids expected shortly after. The Vegas process is moving faster than Seattle's.
Teams could start in 2028-2029
The league is targeting the 2028-2029 season for these expansion teams to begin play. A final vote on the expansion to 32 teams is expected within the next couple of months.
Record fees dwarf 2004 expansion
The last NBA expansion in 2004 cost Charlotte's owner $300 million. Las Vegas's $10 billion fee is 33 times higher, showing how much the league's value has grown.
Seattle gets its team back
Seattle lost the SuperSonics in 2008 when owner Clay Bennett moved the team to Oklahoma City for $350 million. The city won an NBA championship in 1979 and three Western Conference titles.
Las Vegas already has NBA roots
Las Vegas has hosted the NBA Summer League annually since 2004, giving the league an established presence in the city before expansion.
What to remember
Las Vegas and Seattle are poised to become NBA cities again, with expansion fees far exceeding the $300 million Charlotte paid in 2004.
