NBA: All Star Game-Jam Session
Feb 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; A view of the NBA logo at the NBA All Star Jam Session at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
For years, the NBA has flirted with the idea of expansion, and in the past year, we have gotten some clarity. The NBA is looking to expand from its current 30-team format to 32 teams, with Seattle and Las Vegas emerging as the two potential destinations.
While expansion would bring basketball back to Seattle and give Las Vegas its first NBA team, it does raise some questions. The NBA already has a talent problem and has spent years trying to create a competitive balance. An expansion might create more problems than it solves.
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More Teams, More Problems
Dec 16, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during press conference at the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The NBA has become a league where a handful of teams can realistically compete for a championship every season. Adding two teams does not automatically create more contenders. Instead, it could create more teams stuck in the middle of the pack.
Teams that are good enough to compete for the playoffs but not good enough to make a serious championship run could become even more common. At the same time, rebuilding teams could have an even harder time finding the talent needed to turn things around.
There is also the question of scheduling.
The NBA already plays an 82-game regular season. Adding two teams means more franchises to fit into the schedule and more travel across the league. The NBA has already experimented with changes to its schedule like the NBA Cup, but adding two more teams creates another logistical challenge.
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Regardless, It’s Happening
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks to media after the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Despite the concerns, the NBA appears to be moving towards the idea of an expansion.
The league officially began exploring expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas in March and Commissioner Adam Silver said the NBA wants to make a decision by the end of 2026.
For Seattle, it would mean the return of the SuperSonics after the franchise left the city in 2008. For Las Vegas, it would mean finally joining the NBA after establishing itself as a major sports market.
There are plenty of reasons for the NBA to expand. New markets mean new fans, new television opportunities and, most importantly, more money.
The NBA can debate competitive balance, talent, and scheduling, but expansion brings another two teams into the league and another two sources of revenue.
The NBA may not need expansion, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.