Los Angeles, March 17 (NationPress) The National Basketball Association (NBA) is on the brink of a major expansion move, with team owners poised to vote next week on whether to officially pursue the addition of two new franchises.

"We are eyeing the markets in Las Vegas and Seattle," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed to the media last December. Since then, discussions around expansion have been prevalent, with various local news outlets indicating that the topic will be up for discussion at the league's upcoming Board of Governors meetings.

If the vote passes, the NBA plans to kickstart the process immediately, aiming for the debut of both new teams in the 2028-29 season, according to reports from Xinhua.

The vote is set for the NBA's Board of Governors meetings on March 24 and 25. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that support among team owners is increasing, which could lead to the league seeking and evaluating ownership proposals in both proposed cities.

While the initial vote won't officially grant franchises, it would mark the first significant step toward expanding the league to 32 teams. A decision of this nature requires the backing of 23 of the NBA's 30 owners.

Industry insiders anticipate that the bidding process will attract considerable interest from affluent investors and ownership groups. Early estimates indicate that the expansion franchises could fetch between $7 billion and $10 billion each, potentially ranking both teams among the league's most valuable.

The allure of the two markets, paired with the NBA's current collective bargaining agreement aimed at ensuring competitive balance, is expected to create a robust bidding atmosphere. Furthermore, expansion has gained traction among owners, largely fueled by the swift rise in franchise valuations.

In 2022, Mat Ishbia made headlines by purchasing the Phoenix Suns for $4 billion, a record that was soon eclipsed. In 2025, the Boston Celtics were sold to Bill Chisholm for $6.1 billion, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers being acquired by Mark Walter for an astounding $10 billion, the highest ever paid for a professional sports franchise in the U.S. The Portland Trail Blazers also changed hands in 2025, with Tom Dundon acquiring the team for $4.25 billion.

Despite the enticing financial prospects, some owners express caution. Expansion could dilute their existing ownership stakes by increasing the franchise total from 30 to 32, thus diminishing each team's share of league equity. Consequently, some owners are seeking clearer insights regarding final bid valuations and franchise fees before committing to the expansion plan.

Nevertheless, there seems to be growing momentum within the league office and among team governors. Both Las Vegas and Seattle are widely recognized as lucrative markets capable of generating significant revenue, with Seattle historically viewed as one of the most promising candidates for NBA expansion.

Seattle lost its SuperSonics in 2008 when the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a dispute over arena funding. The SuperSonics had been part of the NBA since 1967 and enjoyed a loyal fanbase in the area.

If franchises are ultimately allocated to Seattle and Las Vegas, it is likely that both teams would be integrated into the Western Conference, potentially creating an imbalance between the two conferences. To rectify this, an existing team would need to transition to the Eastern Conference, with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies seen as the most probable candidates.

Beyond considerations of geography and ownership, expansion would involve a series of logistical steps. The league would arrange an expansion draft, enabling the new franchises to construct initial rosters by selecting players from existing teams. Current NBA teams would have the option to protect a minimum of eight players. Each expansion team would need to draft at least 14 players and could select no more than one player from any single franchise. They would also receive draft picks during the annual NBA Draft.

The introduction of two new franchises would create numerous roster spots, alongside coaching and front-office roles across the league. It could also pave the way for establishing new developmental teams within the NBA's minor-league system.

Typically, the league allows around a year and a half between awarding a franchise and the inaugural season of the team. Based on this timeline, expansion teams would need to receive formal approval by spring 2027 to align with the NBA's target launch date for the 2028-29 season.