Las Vegas NBA Team Expansion Delayed? Criminal Allegations Cloud Ownership Bid

By Edcel Panganiban July 18, 2025 10:16

The long-anticipated arrival of an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas now faces a potential delay amid swirling controversy and growing concerns surrounding the ownership bids. Despite the city’s status as a leading candidate for NBA expansion, recent criminal allegations involving one of the primary ownership groups have cast a shadow over the league’s plans, complicating the path forward for basketball’s newest market.

Commissioner Adam Silver affirmed in mid-July that the NBA is embarking on a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of expansion possibilities, with Las Vegas and Seattle widely regarded as frontrunners to receive the league’s nod for the 31st and 32nd franchises. This marks a significant shift after years of speculation, as the league’s Board of Governors has now formally authorized subcommittees namely the advisory finance committee and the audit and strategy committee to study the financial and strategic viability of adding teams.

However, the optimism generated by this formal process has been tempered by recent developments concerning the ownership consortium vying for the Las Vegas franchise. Sources close to the negotiations disclosed that one of the key investors is currently under investigation for alleged criminal misconduct, prompting NBA officials to exercise caution. While the league remains tight-lipped about specifics, industry insiders suggest this situation is stalling formal approval and could force a reevaluation of the preferred ownership group or even delay the timeline for awarding the franchise.

Las Vegas had already demonstrated its NBA readiness with its robust sports infrastructure, including the new T-Mobile Arena, which hosts the NHL’s Golden Knights and has staged NBA Summer League events since 2018. Additionally, the city boasts vibrant professional sports culture home to the NFL’s Raiders and the WNBA’s Aces that underscores its growing status as a viable major-market option. The city’s mayor, Carolyn Goodman, has actively supported bringing an NBA team to Vegas, engaging directly with NBA Commissioner Silver to advocate for the franchise.

From a financial perspective, the NBA stands to earn hefty expansion fees projected between $5 billion and $6 billion per new team, reflecting the league’s soaring franchise valuations, highlighted recently by the historic $10 billion sale of the Lakers and the $6.1 billion acquisition of the Celtics. Despite this lucrative opportunity, Commissioner Silver has emphasized the need for caution. “Every additional team you introduce dilutes the economics of the existing league,” Silver noted, explaining that expansion must be “done in a very deliberate fashion and in a way that makes sense holistically for the league”.

The criminal allegations clouding the Las Vegas ownership bid raise red flags not only about the group’s suitability but also about the NBA’s broader reputation and governance standards. The league, mindful of its global brand, is unlikely to move forward without rigorous vetting. This has sparked discussions among owners, many of whom prefer to prioritize stable, transparent ownership over rushed expansion.

NBA executive committee member and former player Richard Jefferson summarized the league’s stance: “We want growth, but not at the expense of integrity. Las Vegas remains a prime location, but the league must be sure the people running the team can uphold our values.”

While there is no official timeline for resolution, sources indicate that the Board of Governors' next meeting in September will revisit the expansion dossier. Should investigations deepen or ownership complications persist, the process could face significant delays, potentially pushing back any franchise debut beyond the initially anticipated 2026-27 season.

The prospect of an NBA team in Las Vegas remains very much alive but now hangs in the balance due to off-court legal complexities. The league’s cautious but methodical approach reflects a commitment to both expansion growth and protecting the sanctity of its platform as Commissioner Silver described it, “true Day 1 of analysis” where due diligence and integrity remain paramount. For Las Vegas, the dream endures, but its timing and trajectory may need patience and prudence before the city finally welcomes its NBA franchise.