Las Vegas Remains Leading Candidate for NBA Expansion

Las Vegas has long been a potential target for NBA expansion, close enough to feel inevitable, yet far enough away to remain uncertain. This tension became more pronounced when NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated that the league would likely announce its expansion decision sometime next year, signaling that movement is finally coming.

League Expansion Presents Unique Challenges

Silver, who spoke ahead of the NBA Cup title game in Las Vegas, acknowledged the long road that has led to this point. The league has repeatedly delayed expansion, prioritizing a new collective bargaining agreement and a fresh media rights deal. Both are now finalized, removing the hurdles that once slowed the process. According to Silver, expansion is now a matter of assessing economic trade-offs.

It’s not a secret we’re looking at this market in Las Vegas. We are looking at Seattle. We’ve looked at other markets, as well.

Adam Silver, NBA commissioner

Las Vegas has certainly felt the delay. The city has hosted the NBA Summer League for two decades, staged high-profile preseason and showcase games, and has a regular spot on the league’s calendar. However, Silver pushed back against the idea that the league deliberately delayed branching out to Las Vegas or Seattle, widely regarded as the leading expansion candidates.

According to Silver, expansion is not just about adding teams. It is about selling equity in an already thriving league. Including two new franchises would dilute existing ownership stakes and impact each team’s revenue shares. Although expansion fees could reach into the billions and directly benefit owners, the long-term impact remains more challenging to estimate.

Las Vegas Remains a Leading Sports Hub

If expansion does materialize, Las Vegas boasts some unique advantages. The city has transformed itself into a major sports hub. The Raiders, Golden Knights, and Aces remain wildly successful, commercially and competitively. The arrival of the Athletics further cements Southern Nevada’s status as a permanent professional sports market rather than a novelty destination.

Good infrastructure is another significant factor. Harry Reid International Airport boasts direct access from nearly every major US city, easing travel concerns for teams and fans. Meanwhile, theStrip’s hotel capacity remains unmatched. T-Mobile Arena already fulfills NBA standards, so a team could begin play without waiting years for a new building.

The NBA is also considering relocation, with struggling franchises in smaller markets considered prime targets. However, Silver noted that such decisions rest with individual team owners, and lower-revenue markets are not unworthy of NBA teams. For now, Vegas remains hopeful as the league finally appears ready to choose a direction. Whether good or bad, the city should finally get its answer in 2026.