Mar 25, 2026 - Sports

NBA votes to explore adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas

Melissa Santos

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 10: A Seattle Sonics fan holds a sign before the Rain City Showcase in a preseason NBA game between the LA Clippers and the Utah Jazz at Climate Pledge Arena on October 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) — We appear to be getting closer to this wish coming true. Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images

The NBA's Board of Governors voted Wednesday to explore potentially adding professional basketball teams in Las Vegas and Seattle.

Why it matters: Seattle has been without an NBA team since the SuperSonics left in 2008 — and Vegas has never had an NBA franchise.

Wednesday's vote doesn't guarantee NBA teams will come to the two cities. But it is a "major step toward expansion," The Athletic reports, and lets the league move forward with exploring potential bids and buyers.

ESPN reports that a bidding process could generate offers in the range of $7-$10 billion for each team.

What they're saying: "Today's vote reflects our Board's interest in exploring potential expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle — two markets with a long history of support for NBA basketball," said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

"We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties."

The Sonics relocated to Oklahoma City 18 years ago, becoming the Thunder.

What's next: The NBA Board of Governors would have to take another vote to formally add the two teams.

Should the teams get the green light, the league is aiming for 2028-29 to be their first regular season, USA Today reports.

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NBA votes to explore adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas

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