The Future of NBA Expansion Teams: What Cities Could Join Next?

Having covered the NBA expansion conversation for over a decade, I’ve seen plenty of rumors come and go, but the current buzz feels different. The league’s revenue is soaring, media rights deals are ballooning, and Adam Silver himself has openly acknowledged that expansion is no longer a matter of if, but when. If I had to bet, I’d say we’re looking at two new franchises joining the league within the next five to seven years. The real question—and the one that keeps front offices and fans like me up at night—is where those teams will land. It’s a high-stakes game, not unlike a championship fight where one decisive move can change everything. I’m reminded of something I saw in a combat sports clip recently—Soldic needed less than two minutes to finish off the Turkish star, connecting on a booming left hook that took the soul out of his opponent. In the expansion race, certain cities are throwing their own version of that left hook, making a powerful, undeniable case that’s hard for the league to ignore.

Let’s start with the obvious frontrunner: Seattle. Losing the SuperSonics in 2008 was a wound that never fully healed for that city, and the passion for the NBA there is palpable. I’ve visited Climate Pledge Arena multiple times, and let me tell you, the infrastructure is already top-tier and NBA-ready. With a potential ownership group led by the likes of Chris Hansen or even deeper-pocketed investors, Seattle brings a rich basketball history, a booming tech economy, and a media market that ranks in the top 15 nationally. The league owes Seattle a team, plain and simple. It’s the closest thing to a sure bet in this entire process. From a business perspective, reigniting that Pacific Northwest rivalry with Portland would be an instant classic, driving television ratings and merchandise sales from day one. I’d estimate the expansion fee for a Seattle franchise could easily surpass $3.5 billion, setting a new benchmark for the league’s valuation.

Then there’s Las Vegas. What was once considered a long shot is now a powerhouse contender. The success of the Golden Knights in the NHL and the Raiders in the NFL has proven that Vegas is a major league city. The NBA already holds its Summer League there, and the in-season tournament finals were a massive success. I was in the building for one of those games, and the energy was electric—a mix of tourists and die-hard locals creating a unique home-court advantage. An arena partnership with the T-Mobile Arena or a new, basketball-specific venue seems inevitable. The corporate support is there, with countless global brands headquartered on the Strip, and the league’s relationship with the gambling industry has evolved into a lucrative, if carefully managed, partnership. Adding a team in Vegas isn't just about basketball; it's about cementing the city as the ultimate sports and entertainment capital.

But beyond the two heavyweights, the conversation gets more interesting, and frankly, more divisive. I’m a big believer in the potential of Mexico City. The league has been strategically planting seeds there for years with regular-season games, and the fan response has been incredible. We’re talking about a metropolitan area of over 21 million people—a massive, untapped market. The altitude and travel logistics are real concerns, I won’t lie, but the long-term global growth potential is staggering. Imagine the NBA becoming a truly North American league. The branding and media rights opportunities alone would be worth billions. It’s a bold, forward-thinking move, and sometimes you have to take that swing, even if it’s a risk.

On the domestic front, cities like Nashville and Kansas City are making strong pushes. Nashville is a vibrant, growing city with a proven track record of supporting the Titans and Predators. Its central location could help balance conference schedules. Kansas City, with its modern T-Mobile Center, is a dark horse with a rich but dormant basketball history. I’ve spoken to officials from both cities, and their presentations are polished and data-driven. However, I’m slightly less convinced they have the same immediate, knockout punch as Seattle or Vegas. They feel like solid second-wave options.

Of course, we can’t ignore the financial mechanics. The current owners will demand a hefty expansion fee, likely in the $4 billion range per team, to offset the dilution of their shared revenue. That’s a steep price, but one that several investor groups seem willing to pay for a slice of the NBA pie. The league will also have to navigate the expansion draft, a delicate process that always leaves existing teams grumbling about losing valuable rotation players. It’s a necessary evil to ensure the new franchises are competitive from the start.

In my view, the ideal scenario is a two-city addition: Seattle and Las Vegas. It feels like a natural pairing, restoring a historic franchise while planting a flag in a dynamic new market. It balances nostalgia with innovation. The league’s growth trajectory demands big swings, and these two cities offer the most compelling cases. Just like that Soldic left hook, their bids are powerful, precise, and designed to end the debate. The future of the NBA is on the cusp of getting a lot bigger, and I, for one, can’t wait to see which cities finally get the call.