LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The NBA will move forward with exploring an expansion team in Las Vegas.
The league's board of governors approved a vote to explore bids and applicants for new franchises exclusively in Las Vegas and Seattle, the NBA announced Wednesday.
A three-fourths majority vote -- 23 of the 30 governors -- was necessary to begin vetting expansion bids.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league spoke with officials from the state of Nevada and the Las Vegas area. He cited the city's passion for basketball, including the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, and the larger presence of the sport with NBA Summer League and USA Basketball training camps.
Wednesday's vote is described as the initial step in the expansion process. The actual vetting of ownership bids could take months before the league decides whether to execute new franchise purchases now or in a few years, per ESPN.
The NBA last expanded in 2004 with a team in Charlotte, North Carolina.
**RELATED | [Nevada's US lawmakers call for NBA to expand to Las Vegas](https://news3lv.com/news/local/nevada-us-lawmakers-nba-expansion-las-vegas-adam-silver-congressional-delegation-pro-sports-basketball#)**
It's unclear who could enter the bidding for ownership. Retired NBA stars Shaquille O'Neal and Magic Johnson have shared their interest. Current Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James **[ruled himself out when asked last week](https://news3lv.com/news/local/lebron-james-las-vegas-nba-expansion-team-ownership-bid-fenway-sports-group-basketball-franchise-adam-silver#)**.
An expansion fee could be between $7 and $10 billion, according to multiple reports. For comparison, the Los Angeles Lakers sold last year at a $10 billion valuation.
For where a team could play, many venues in Las Vegas can accommodate basketball. MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle indicated Wednesday that T-Mobile Arena, home of the Vegas Golden Knights, would be an option.
The NBA has held its in-season tournament semifinals and championship at the arena for the last three years.
"T-Mobile Arena was built for basketball and hockey," Hornbuckle said in a statement. "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."
If the NBA does expand to Las Vegas, Southern Nevada could have a team in five major North American sports leagues.
In the last decade, Las Vegas has become home to NHL, WNBA and NFL franchises: the Golden Knights, Aces and Raiders. Major League Baseball isn't far behind, as the A's expect to relocate by the 2028 season.
Before those teams arrived, however, the NBA historically maintained the biggest presence in Southern Nevada.
The Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus has been the home of NBA Summer League, an annual offseason showcase for rookies and second-year players, since 2004. The arena also hosted the 2007 NBA All-Star Game.
The Utah Jazz played several home games at Thomas & Mack during the 1983-84 season. It was where Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke Wilt Chamberlain's record for career points during a game between the Lakers and Jazz.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo celebrated Wednesday's news.
"Las Vegans have already shown unwavering support for our professional sports franchises, and a new NBA team will provide even more entertainment, more jobs, and more small business growth for the region," Lombardo said in a statement. "I look forward to continuing conversations with Commissioner Silver and league officials to ensure this expansion delivers lasting benefits for the state of Nevada."
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FILE - The Los Angeles Lakers face off against the Golden State Warriors for a preseason matchup in Las Vegas on Tuesday, October 16, 2024. (KSNV)