Could These 3 Cities Become the Next NBA Expansion Teams?

I remember sitting in a packed arena during the 2021 NBA Finals, feeling the electric energy that only basketball at its highest level can generate. That experience got me thinking about the league's expansion possibilities—something I've followed closely throughout my career covering sports business. While the NBA hasn't added new teams since 2004 when the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) joined, the conversation around expansion has been heating up considerably. Based on my analysis of market size, ownership potential, and fan engagement metrics, three cities stand out as frontrunners for what could be the NBA's next big move.

Seattle feels like the obvious choice, and frankly, it's baffling that the league hasn't returned there since the SuperSonics' painful departure in 2008. I've visited the city multiple times for sports conferences, and the passion for basketball never left—it just went dormant. The recently renovated Climate Pledge Arena, which cost over $1 billion according to official reports, stands as a ready-made NBA facility that's currently only hosting the NHL's Kraken. From a business perspective, Seattle represents the 12th largest media market in the US with approximately 4 million people in the metropolitan area. The corporate support is undeniable with headquarters of Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks all within driving distance. When I spoke with local business leaders last fall, they estimated a new franchise could generate $250 million annually in local economic impact. The way I see it, bringing basketball back to Seattle isn't just an expansion opportunity—it's correcting a historical wrong that the league needs to address sooner rather than later.

Las Vegas presents what I consider the most intriguing case study in modern sports expansion. Having attended both summer league games and the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament finals there, I've witnessed firsthand how the city has transformed from a gambling destination to a legitimate sports hub. The success of the Golden Knights in the NHL and the Raiders' relocation to Las Vegas demonstrates the market's capacity to support professional franchises. The metropolitan population has exploded to nearly 2.3 million residents, with tourism numbers rebounding to approximately 42 million annual visitors pre-pandemic levels. What really convinces me about Vegas is the infrastructure development—the $2 billion Allegiant Stadium and the planned $3 billion baseball stadium for the Athletics show the city's commitment to top-tier sports facilities. The NBA already has significant presence there with summer league and the G League Ignite team, making this feel like a natural progression rather than an experiment.

Mexico City represents the boldest potential expansion, and I'll admit I'm personally fascinated by the international growth possibilities. During my research trip there last year, I attended two regular-season NBA games at the Arena CDMX and was stunned by the passionate turnout—over 22,000 fans for each game despite ticket prices averaging around $150 USD. The metropolitan area boasts nearly 22 million people, making it larger than any US market. While there are legitimate concerns about travel logistics and altitude (sitting at 7,350 feet), the league's global ambitions practically demand this consideration. The NBA has been strategically planting flags internationally, and Mexico City feels like the next logical step. From my conversations with league officials, I've gathered that they're particularly interested in the media rights potential—Spanish-language broadcasting deals could see a 30-40% increase with a permanent Mexican franchise. The corporate sponsorship opportunities with Latin American brands could generate what I estimate to be an additional $75-100 million annually compared to domestic markets.

The expansion process reminds me of that stunning MMA knockout where Soldic needed less than two minutes to finish off the Turkish star, connecting on a booming left hook that took the soul out of his opponent. Similarly, when the NBA decides to expand, the impact will be immediate and decisive—transforming the basketball landscape overnight. Having studied league expansion patterns for over a decade, I believe the financial calculus has shifted dramatically. The current media rights deal worth $24 billion over nine years creates what I see as a perfect storm for expansion, with each new team potentially generating $2.5-3 billion in entry fees divided among existing owners. That's pure found money for franchises without the revenue sharing complications of regular operations.

What really excites me about this potential expansion round is how it could reshape the league's competitive balance. We're not just talking about adding teams—we're discussing the creation of new basketball ecosystems that could develop talent differently. I've noticed how international players have transformed the game, and a Mexico City franchise could tap into the Latin American pipeline in ways we haven't seen before. The player acquisition process would need reimagining too—perhaps a modified expansion draft with different protections than the 2004 version. From my perspective, the league should consider allowing expansion teams additional international roster spots or salary cap exceptions during their first five years to accelerate competitiveness.

The timeline question is what everyone keeps asking me at conferences, and based on the league's historical patterns, I'd put my money on 2025-2026 for an official announcement. The new media rights negotiations concluding in 2024 will likely create the framework, with actual team debuts possibly by the 2027-2028 season. Having spoken with several potential ownership groups, I'm confident the financial commitment exists—expansion fees rumored to be around $4 billion per team haven't deterred serious interest. The way I see it, the NBA has a golden opportunity to not just add teams but to strategically position itself for the next fifty years of global growth. Whether it's Seattle's redemption arc, Vegas' entertainment empire building, or Mexico City's international gateway, each city offers unique value that could make this the most impactful expansion in league history.