NBA Eyes Expansion: Vegas, Seattle Next? Owners Vote

NBA Poised for Major Expansion Vote: Las Vegas and Seattle Emerge as Top Candidates

The National Basketball Association is on the verge of a significant expansion, with sources revealing that the league will hold a vote next week, March 24th and 25th, at the Board of Governors meetings. The primary agenda item: to allow the NBA to officially explore the possibility of adding two new expansion teams, with Las Vegas and Seattle identified as the exclusive targets. This pivotal first step is widely viewed as a formality, carrying substantial momentum from league stakeholders eager to gauge market potential and proposals.

A Multi-Step Process Towards 32 Teams

Industry executives project that a per-team valuation could range between $7 to $10 billion for both Las Vegas and Seattle. Should the vote proceed as expected, this initial approval will grant the league permission to solicit bids. Following this exploration phase, a final vote is anticipated in 2026 to potentially bring the NBA to 32 teams, a landmark number.

“There is momentum for the owners around the NBA to approve this vote to go allow the league to go see what those bids could look like,” reported Shams Charania, highlighting the growing support for expansion among team owners. The appeal of established, large markets like Seattle and Las Vegas, which already boast successful franchises in the NHL and NFL, is undeniable. The expectation is that these new franchises could immediately become top revenue generators for the league.

Seattle’s Long-Awaited Return to the NBA

For Seattle, this potential expansion represents the potential return of NBA basketball after the SuperSonics’ controversial relocation to Oklahoma City in 2008. The sentiment for basketball’s return to the Emerald City is palpable. “It’s about when, not if,” was the sentiment echoed, reflecting a deep-seated belief that Seattle deserves to have its team back.

Knicks Mount Record Comeback, Thunder Dominate

In other NBA news, the New York Knicks orchestrated the largest comeback of the season, erasing a 21-point deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors 119-113. Despite the absence of Stephen Curry, the Warriors held a significant lead, but the Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson’s clutch performance, rallied in the fourth quarter. This victory marks the Knicks’ third consecutive win and seventh in their last ten games, pulling them within one game of Boston for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Notably, the Knicks were 0-9 this season when trailing by 20 points before this remarkable turnaround.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder continued their dominant run, securing a 116-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was once again at the forefront, showcasing his MVP-caliber play. The Thunder’s bench also delivered a strong performance, with key contributions from players like Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe. This win solidifies the Thunder’s position as the number one seed in the Western Conference, a remarkable achievement given the team’s significant injury struggles throughout the season.

SGA: The League’s Best Player?

The exceptional play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has ignited a debate about his standing in the league. “Is SGA the best player in the NBA right now?” the question was posed. Vince Goodwill, a respected voice in NBA journalism, argued passionately for Gilgeous-Alexander’s case. “I’m starting to say the best player in the league is that guy because he’s efficient. He’s still growing. He plays on both sides of the floor,” Goodwill stated. He further elaborated, “He has taken the crown to me from Nikola Jokic as the game’s best player. The Thunder are the team to beat. It’s the Thunder or everybody else. I think the gap is wide.” This high praise underscores the Thunder’s formidable presence and SGA’s individual brilliance.

Lakers’ Win Streak Tested, LeBron’s Future

The Los Angeles Lakers are riding a five-game winning streak, including a thrilling overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets, highlighted by a Luka Doncic game-winner. Despite skepticism from some, including Charles Barkley, the Lakers are showing signs of cohesion. However, their upcoming schedule presents a significant challenge. “These next six, we got problems, baby,” Vince Goodwill cautioned, pointing to tough matchups against Houston, Detroit, Orlando, and Miami. These games will be crucial in determining the Lakers’ true potential heading into the playoffs, where they currently sit third in the West, with a tight race for seeding from third to sixth.

The Lakers’ recent success has also brought LeBron James’ future into focus. While a decision on his next season has not been made, the prevailing sentiment is that he will play at least one more year. “A lot of how the Lakers season finishes will play a big factor into LeBron James’ future,” it was suggested. James’ willingness to dive for loose balls late in games is seen as a symbol of his current mindset. “To me, this shows and symbolizes where he’s at as a player, his acts of really willing to do anything,” was the analysis, highlighting his self-awareness and commitment to the team’s success, even in a potentially supporting role alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves as they aim to build playoff chemistry.

Source: NBA voting to explore 2 EXPANSION TEAMS in Las Vegas & Seattle 🏀 Shams Charania has details | Get Up (YouTube)