Board of Governors votes to explore NBA expansions to Las Vegas and Seattle

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas is one step closer to getting its own NBA team.

The NBA Board of Governors voted Wednesday morning to authorize the league to formally explore potential team expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle.

“Today’s vote reflects our Board’s interest in exploring potential expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle – two markets with a long history of support for NBA basketball,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.  “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.”

The vote allows the NBA to move forward with identifying potential ownership groups, arena plans and financial structures tied to adding new franchises.

The league brought in an outside investment firm to guide a full evaluation of ownership, arena plans, and long-term fit. A final decision is expected soon.

"We need to know by the end of this calendar year what it is we're doing," Silver said.

"Two markets… with deep basketball roots and deep connections to the NBA," Silver said.

Las Vegas has been building toward this moment for years through events like the NBA Summer League, USA Basketball, and the success of the Las Vegas Aces. The NBA was the first professional sports league to give the city a chance in 2007, a time when pro sports stayed far away.

"I used to joke… it was as if we had a franchise in Las Vegas already… it's become a major place of operation for the league," Silver said.

"I think Las Vegas has very much become the entertainment capital of the United States… and seemingly with an insatiable appetite for more sports," Silver said.

Multiple groups are expected to bid for a team, with the price tag estimated between $7 billion and $10 billion. Silver noted the market will ultimately decide the cost.

"I expect there will be significant interest from ownership groups…" Silver said.

Expected bidders include interest tied to Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley and NBA legend Magic Johnson.

"Magic Johnson… one of our greatest players ever… and also has had incredible success off the floor as well. I have a strong personal relationship with him, and he's beloved around the league," Silver said.

"There's been no handshakes on the side… no commitments… no promises to anyone… this is a completely transparent process," Silver said.

T-Mobile Arena is the clear front-runner to host a future team as an NBA-ready venue on the Las Vegas Strip. MGM Resorts International, which co-owns and operates the arena, stated it is ready for the league.

"It's only the first step, but it's a big step… T-Mobile Arena was built for basketball and hockey… and we would welcome the opportunity to work with the NBA," MGM Resorts International CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle said.

State leaders agree the city is prepared. Gov. Joe Lombardo said Las Vegas has already proven it can support professional sports, adding that an NBA team would bring jobs and economic growth.

If everything comes together, 2028 could be a defining year for Las Vegas sports. With the Athletics targeting a 2028 debut and the NBA looking at the same window, the city could soon join just 13 U.S. markets with all four major men's leagues.

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Las Vegas is also set to host the NCAA Final Four in 2028, and it was announced today that the Super Bowl is likely returning in 2029. This marks the fastest a professional sports scene has grown in a U.S. city in the last 20-plus years.

How do locals feel about the possible expansion in Las Vegas?

Local residents and basketball fans are already expressing excitement about rooting for a hometown team.

"I actually played in the Philippines for about six years, so to have an NBA team out here is going to be awesome. I'm a big basketball fan, I'm a coach also I train kids for basketball, so I'm excited," one local resident said.

"I'm in hospitality, and all of the time, people are coming in, diverse fanbases. Sports is a natural fit, it's going to happen, and everyone is excited to see it," another resident said.

"For sure if my boys are playing, but if not, definitely cheering for Vegas," a fan said when asked if they would still cheer for their current favorite team.

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