The NBA Board of Governors on Wednesday voted to authorize the league to formally explore potential team expansion into both Las Vegas and Seattle for the 2028-29 season.
To two cities will now be evaluated by investment bank PJT Partners to assess their prospective markets, ownership groups, arena infrastructure, and the economic feasibility of expanding into the cities of Seattle and Las Vegas.
“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.”
Governor Bob Ferguson released the following statement after the NBA Board of Governors voted to explore expansion to Seattle:
“For two decades, Washingtonians have mourned the loss of our Sonics. Today’s vote is a milestone in the effort to bring NBA basketball back home.
“The time is right. The state-of-the-art Climate Pledge Arena already hosts professional basketball and hockey with the Storm, Kraken, and Torrent in front of a dedicated fanbase. And we know we have the best fans in the NBA.
“Bringing the Sonics back is a top priority, and the state will be a strong partner in this effort. I plan to be there at tipoff with thousands of fellow fans when the Sonics return.”
If both cities are selected, the NBA will then expand to 32 teams nationwide in a final vote expected later this year.
Since 2008, Seattle has been without an NBA team after the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City and changed their name to the Thunder.
Author: Mario Lotmore
