The NBA continues to insist on expanding, not only around the world, but also within its own league. Next week, specifically next Tuesday and Wednesday, the organization will vote at the Board of Governors meeting on the annexation of Las Vegas and Seattle for the 2028/29 season, which already had a very mythical team such as the Supersonics (now OKC Thunder), to the competition according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
This measure, which the entire competition wants to be implemented, as the offers to be able to boost these two clubs range between 7 and 10 billion euros, figures that mean that both markets could be among the top eight in the entire league due to the financial attractiveness of these cities.
An NBA with 32 franchises, and some could change Conference
Now, with the more than likely entry of these cities into the league, there would be 32 teams fighting for the ring. But that is something that will be decided in another vote: if 23 of the 30 American governors approve this expansion next week, a second and final vote will be held at the end of the year.
If Las Vegas and Seattle enter the NBA, as is intended, it could cause the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Memphis Grizzlies to have to change conferences and move from the West to the East.
The spots in the Western Conference would be occupied, first, by a team that has been without an NBA spot since 2008 (Seattle), when the Sonics left Washington and moved to Oklahoma, a city where they have now become league champions for the first time in their history, and, secondly, by a city (Las Vegas) that is increasingly hosting more sporting competitions.
In the cover image produced by ESPN journalist Arash Markazi, it would be the Timberwolves who would move sideways to balance the scales and have each conference, both the East, in which they would be incorporated, and the West, to be 16 teams.
Now, in parallel with the NBA Europe project, which it is working on together with FIBA, the league led by Adam Silver is looking to continue expanding the best league in the world in order to obtain greater economic benefits.
This measure would mean more benefits for teams in terms of the transfer market and drafts each year: the remaining 30 clubs will be able to keep up to eight players from their squad, all of whom are not free agents or close to the end of their contract.
Lebron, behind Las Vegas
Lebron James was begging the most important person in the championship in 2022, “I want my team here, Adam. Thank you very much.” The Lakers forward is looking, along with other partners, to be the owner of the Nevada team when this measure is approved.
I want my team here, Adam. Thank you very much
Fortune reported in 2024 that the four-time NBA champion plans to bid for one of the new expansion teams that the NBA will give the green light to, specificallyfor the franchise that will be created in Las Vegas.
The 41-year-old is looking to stay involved in the sport and sees Las Vegas as an opportunity to do so.
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