NBA Finally Greenlights Seattle And Las Vegas Expansion

The NBA’s Board of Governors has given the green light to begin formal expansion talks for Seattle and Las Vegas, pushing the league toward 32 teams likely by 2028 or later. Valuations could hit $7 billion to $10 billion, and Vegas already serves as the league’s home away from home with Summer League and the NBA Cup. Fans immediately started throwing out names, some so NSFW they should "stay in Vegas," while the league will favor corporate-friendly branding. Merlin sees a city that demands spectacle. A safe name like Royals would feel wrong; the team must "feel like the city." Picks like Gonzos, Hyenas, Hustle, Sin City, and High Rollers lean into that madness. Expansion will redraw finances, travel, and TV maps, and the choice of identity will tell whether the NBA embraces the gamble or plays it safe.