Will the NBA Expand to New Cities in 2025? Latest Rumors and Leaks
By Edcel Panganiban June 17, 2025 09:34
The NBA is on the cusp of a major transformation as discussions about league expansion gain momentum in 2025. After years of speculation, Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that the NBA plans to begin a formal expansion process this summer, potentially adding two new franchises and increasing the league from 30 to 32 teams. But which cities are in the running, and what does this mean for the future of the league?
Expansion Process Officially Kicks Off in 2025
In April 2025, Adam Silver stated that the NBA could start the formal expansion process during the summer, following the recent signing of a new media rights deal and collective bargaining agreement. These foundational agreements provide the financial stability and long-term vision necessary to support expansion. Silver emphasized that the league is currently conducting internal modeling and financial projections to understand how adding teams would impact talent distribution, revenue sharing, and competitive balance across all franchises.
Leading Candidates: Las Vegas and Seattle
Among the cities most frequently mentioned as prime candidates for NBA expansion are Las Vegas and Seattle. Both markets have a strong appetite for professional basketball and possess the infrastructure to support new teams.
Las Vegas, which has rapidly grown as a sports hub with the NHL’s Golden Knights and the NFL’s Raiders, is reportedly considering modifications to T-Mobile Arena to accommodate an NBA franchise. Golden Knights owner Bill Foley has expressed interest in investing $300 million to upgrade the arena for basketball use, signaling serious commitment to bringing the NBA to the city.
Seattle remains a passionate basketball town eager to reclaim the Supersonics, who relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. However, financial feasibility remains a hurdle. The Seattle Times reported that NHL’s Seattle Kraken owner Samantha Holloway is working to secure the necessary investment to support an NBA team. The city’s strong fan base and basketball culture make it a natural fit, but economic factors are still being ironed out.
Other Potential Markets and Considerations
While Las Vegas and Seattle are front-runners, other cities have been floated in various analyses. Forbes’s data-driven study on expansion candidates highlights markets like Louisville, Louisville, and Mexico City as intriguing possibilities, though these face logistical and financial challenges.
The league is also carefully considering how expansion might affect existing teams, especially regarding the salary cap and talent dilution. The last NBA expansion draft occurred in 2004, and the current salary cap structure is far more complex, requiring strategic planning to ensure new teams can be competitive without destabilizing the league.
What Expansion Means for the NBA
Adding two teams would have significant implications. It would likely trigger a realignment of divisions and conferences, possibly creating a more balanced geographical distribution. It would also increase the number of playoff spots, potentially giving more teams postseason opportunities.
Financially, expansion fees are expected to be substantial, with potential franchise values surpassing $2 billion each, reflecting the NBA’s growing global popularity and lucrative media deals. Expansion would also open new revenue streams through ticket sales, local sponsorships, and merchandise.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the excitement, there remain hurdles. Both Las Vegas and Seattle need to finalize arena upgrades and secure ownership groups willing to invest heavily. The league also must manage concerns about talent dilution and maintain competitive balance.
Moreover, some insiders caution that the NBA’s priorities remain focused on solidifying current team markets and international growth before fully committing to expansion. As recently as early 2025, Silver acknowledged that while expansion is on the horizon, the league is “not ready yet” to make a definitive decision.
The NBA’s expansion in 2025 appears imminent, with Las Vegas and Seattle leading the charge as the most likely new homes for franchises. Commissioner Adam Silver’s confirmation of a formal process starting this summer signals a new era for the league, promising fresh markets, increased competition, and expanded fan engagement. However, financial, logistical, and competitive considerations mean the process will be deliberate and carefully managed.
As the NBA moves forward, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the league balances growth with maintaining the high level of play and excitement that has made it one of the world’s premier sports leagues.
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