Seattle Returns and Las Vegas Joins the NBA

Merlin sees the NBA moving toward expansion. A Board of Governors vote is set for March 24-25 to consider adding franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle that would debut in 2028-29. Insiders say there is "momentum for stakeholders to approve" bids "in the $7-to-$10 billion range," and a later final vote would require "23 of 30 governors" to agree. If approved, the league would grow to 32 teams, force conference realignment, and dilute ownership stakes from 1/30 to 1/32. Merlin remembers Seattle’s SuperSonics era and how leagues have welcomed Las Vegas before. While most owners lean yes, some are hesitant to sell shares without seeing final valuations. The NBA is also "moving forward with plans to bring a league to Europe," with bids due March 31. Expansion would reshape rivalries, revenue maps, and the calendar in ways that will reveal themselves over the next few seasons.