Next month, the NBA board of governors will convene in Las Vegas, where discussions surrounding league expansion are expected to take center stage. Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated that it is likely owners will make a decision regarding the official considerations for adding new teams to the league in the coming years.
Silver remarked that the expansion topic will feature prominently on the meeting agenda to gauge the sentiments of the owners. “We have committees that are already talking about it, but my sense is at that meeting they’re going to give direction to me and my colleagues at the league office that we should continue to explore,” Silver stated.
While the outlook for expansion seems optimistic, it does not guarantee an immediate transition into new markets. Notably, cities like Seattle, which lost the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City in 2008, and Las Vegas have expressed strong interest in hosting NBA franchises. Seattle fans have been particularly vocal about their desire for a new team, underlining the significance of this conversation.
“I’d say the current sense is we should be exploring it,” Silver said, acknowledging the interest from various groups in potential expansion opportunities. Historically, the league’s response to these inquiries has been non-committal, but this meeting could signal a shift towards more serious discussions.
If the owners consent to pursue expansion, the next steps would include consulting external advisors to assess market viability, media opportunities, and other relevant factors that would influence the decision-making process.
Additionally, the NBA is also reportedly working on a new format for the All-Star Game, featuring a U.S. versus World matchup, reflecting the league’s continual evolution and responsiveness to fan interests.
This potential for expansion could signify an exciting new era for the NBA, especially for long-suffering fan bases eager for teams in previously underserved markets. The upcoming governors’ meeting could mark the first step toward reviving the Seattle SuperSonics or establishing a new franchise in Las Vegas.