The NBA is expected to grow by at least one team eventually, and perhaps two. And it may not be that long before it happens.
“We will turn to expansion once those new media deals are done,” commissioner Adam Silver said at the annual Associated Press Sports Editors conference. “It’s not a sure thing but, as I’ve said before, I think it’s natural that organizations grow over time.”
The league has been linked to a return to Seattle for years now — and when the NBA does expand, you can bet the SuperSonics will be in place. There’s just too much pressure on the league for it to do anything other than bring back the Sonics when it expands.
So, that’s basically a layup.
As for the other city, most around the league have Las Vegas pegged as being due for a basketball team. It already has the NFL’s Raiders and WNBA’s Aces, as well as the NHL’s Golden Knights.
Interestingly, Vegas is also the annual host of the NBA Summer League, and given that draws well in the middle of baseball season … well, Vegas could be a natural fit.
Surely, though, others will emerge, with Louisville, Ky., and Virginia Beach being among those that have expressed interest in the NBA in the past.
With new television and streaming revenue on the way, likely after the 2025 season, we can expect expansion to take place by the end of the decade. NBA fans in Seattle (and maybe Vegas), it seems, won’t have to wait much longer.
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