The NBA is continuing to explore potential expansion, with Seattle and Las Vegas emerging as the leading cities in the discussion. The league has reportedly begun requesting additional information from prospective ownership groups interested in bringing new NBA franchises to either market.
The NBA is working with financial advisory firm PJT Partners as it evaluates possible expansion opportunities. According to reports, interested groups have been asked to provide important details about their proposed ownership structures, investors and the potential amount they would be willing to pay for a franchise.
NBA Expansion Process Moves Forward
Potential ownership groups interested in securing an NBA team have reportedly submitted initial information to the league.
The requested details include proposed ownership structures, potential investors and estimated franchise valuations. These submissions could help the NBA evaluate which groups are financially prepared to support an expansion team.
The process is expected to continue in the coming months.
Groups pursuing a franchise in Las Vegas have reportedly been given another deadline in September to submit a more detailed proposal. The NBA Board of Governors is also scheduled to meet during the month.
Commissioner Adam Silver has previously indicated that he hopes the league can reach a decision regarding expansion by the end of 2026. However, he has not committed to adding new teams.
Las Vegas Could Be Decided Before Seattle
While Seattle and Las Vegas remain central to the NBA expansion conversation, the league’s decision-making process may not move at the same pace in both cities.
Reports suggest that the NBA could potentially select an ownership group for a Las Vegas franchise before making a final decision regarding Seattle.
Las Vegas bidders are reportedly facing an additional stage in the process, with interested groups required to provide more comprehensive portfolios.
Seattle, meanwhile, currently appears to be operating under a different timeline, with only one known submission deadline.
Both cities have long been considered strong candidates for NBA expansion.
Seattle previously hosted the SuperSonics before the franchise relocated and became the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Las Vegas has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for major professional sports.
Leading Names Emerge in Las Vegas Ownership Race
Several high-profile investors are reportedly connected to the race for a potential Las Vegas NBA franchise.
Among the names believed to be involved are Golden Knights owner Bill Foley and Nancy Walton Laurie along with her husband, Bill Laurie.
Another ownership group is also reportedly competing for the opportunity, although details surrounding that bid have not yet been publicly identified.
The eventual expansion fee and ownership structure could play a major role in determining which group moves forward.
NBA Expansion Still Not Guaranteed
Despite the growing interest from potential investors, NBA expansion has not yet been officially approved.
Adam Silver and the NBA Board of Governors will ultimately determine whether the league adds new franchises and which markets are selected.
If expansion moves forward, Las Vegas and Seattle appear to be among the strongest candidates. However, several important decisions still need to be made regarding ownership, franchise valuation and the overall structure of an expanded NBA.
With new deadlines approaching and ownership groups providing more information, the NBA expansion process could become one of the league’s biggest business stories heading into the end of 2026.
