LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The NBA will be moving forward with expanding into Las Vegas and Seattle.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the NBA Board of Governors voted to approve exploring bids for new franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle Wednesday. This approval will allow the league to move forward with taking applicants for new teams in each city.
Following the vote, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the media for the first time. Silver referred to Las Vegas and Seattle as unique markets when considering their history and connections to NBA Basketball.
The NBA is moving forward with plans to explore expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle.
MORE ON FOX5:NBA set for first expansion vote targeting Las Vegas, Seattle
Breaking: The NBA's Board of Governors has approved a vote for the league to explore bids and applicants for expansion teams exclusively in Las Vegas and Seattle, sources tell ESPN. A bidding process is expected to generate offers in the $7-10 billion range for each team. pic.twitter.com/yEaLPjnTVf
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2026
According to Charania, the bidding process will generate offers in the $7-10 billion range for each team.
The league will examine the bids for both cities over the next several months, before approving any purchases.
EN ESPAÑOL:La NBA aprueba la expansión a Las Vegas y Seattle, según ESPN
Governor Lombardo issued a statement following the announcement, expressing his excitement for the new team.
“I look forward to continuing conversations with Commissioner Silver and league officials to ensure this expansion delivers lasting benefits for the state of Nevada,” Lombardo’s statement read, in part.
The NBA Board of Governors voted to officially explore an expansion team in Las Vegas. Very excited to see them advance this process!
My full statement: pic.twitter.com/xRDmVW4my0
— Governor Joe Lombardo (@JosephMLombardo) March 25, 2026
City of Las Vegas and Clark County leaders have expressed their excitement about the growing sports economy in Southern Nevada, with the growing momentum of bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas.
Las Vegas is home to the best and biggest events and entertainment and now we are the world’s arena for major league sports. Las Vegas has always been a basketball city dating back to the heydays of the Runnin’ Rebels and we are excited that the NBA is exploring adding a… https://t.co/33UPcu4RfL
— Shelley Berkley (@mayoroflasvegas) March 25, 2026
After the NBA voted to explore expansion to Las Vegas, MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle suggested T-Mobile Arena as a possible venue.
MGM Resorts CEO & President Bill Hornbuckle also issued a statement, urging the board to consider T-Mobile Arena as a possible venue.
“Thanks to the NBA’s board of governors for voting to explore expansion into Las Vegas. It’s only the first step, but it’s a big step. A new team would be great for both locals and visitors, while creating jobs and providing a boost to the economy. T-Mobile Arena was built for basketball and hockey. Our long-standing relationship with the League is a positive one that stretches back many years, and we would welcome the opportunity to work with the NBA on creating an unforgettable fan experience.”
Resorts World also released a statement noting that they would like to be considered as a site for an arena to be built.
“Resorts World Las Vegas is uniquely positioned to deliver a world-class state-of-the-art arena on the Strip—our location is unmatched, our site is shovel-ready, and our $4.3 billion integrated resort campus is built to support it from day one. When you combine that foundation with the leadership of two icons that shaped the modern sports landscape in Las Vegas, it becomes the most compelling and executable arena opportunity in the heart of the Entertainment Capital of the World” -Carlos Castro, President and CFO of Resorts World Las Vegas
If deals are finalized within the year, both teams are expected to start play in 2028.
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