NBA Expansion Showdown Seattle vs Las Vegas 2026

Commissioner Adam Silver told fans the NBA will wait until 2026 before deciding on expansion. "We're in the process of working with our (existing) teams and gauging the level of interest," he said, adding "And then sometime in 2026, we'll make a determination." Seattle and Las Vegas are the top markets under study, and the central question is whether the current 30 owners will accept dividing league revenue to add two more teams. Merlin sees Las Vegas with ready arenas and an NBA footprint through Summer League and the Cup, while Seattle brings long standing passion from SuperSonics days. The league is chasing a pro forma that creates more value than it costs the existing clubs. Expect careful accounting, owner debates, and a slow, deliberate march toward any new franchises.