What Are the Next NBA Expansion Teams and Potential Cities to Join?

Having covered the NBA for over a decade, I’ve seen expansion rumors come and go like summer storms—full of sound and fury, but rarely delivering real change. Yet this time feels different. Commissioner Adam Silver himself has acknowledged that expansion is a matter of "when, not if," and the league’s current $24 billion media rights deal only fuels the speculation. So let’s talk about the next NBA expansion teams and the cities most likely to join the league. I’ve visited most of these markets, spoken with local stakeholders, and watched how fan culture evolves—or doesn’t—in places hungry for a team.

When I think about expansion, I can’t help but recall that stunning moment in combat sports when 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. That’s the kind of decisive, market-shifting energy the league will need when it finally pulls the trigger. Expansion isn’t just about adding teams—it’s about making a statement, landing a knockout blow that redefines the NBA’s geographic and cultural footprint. And right now, two cities stand out as front-runners: Seattle and Las Vegas. Seattle’s case is emotional, almost poetic. The city lost the SuperSonics in 2008, and the wound still feels fresh. I’ve walked through the Climate Pledge Arena, and let me tell you—the vibe there is electric, even without an NBA team. With a market that supports the Seahawks and Mariners so passionately, and a corporate base that includes Amazon and Microsoft, Seattle isn’t just a sentimental favorite—it’s a financial slam dunk. The league knows it. The players know it. And frankly, it’s embarrassing that it’s taken this long.

Then there’s Las Vegas. What was once a sports desert is now a glittering oasis of professional franchises. The Golden Knights and Raiders have shown that Vegas isn’t just a tourist hub—it’s a sports town. I’ve attended summer league games there, and the atmosphere is already NBA-ready. Add to that the new T-Mobile Arena, the influx of global visitors, and the fact that the NBA already holds its annual awards show there, and it’s clear Vegas isn’t just in the running—it’s inevitable. Some purists worry about the gambling ties, but let’s be real: sports betting is legal nationwide now. The NBA has partnerships with betting companies. That ship has sailed, and Vegas is at the helm.

Beyond those two, a handful of other cities are jockeying for position. Mexico City often comes up in these conversations, and I’ve been fortunate enough to cover games there. The energy is unreal—imagine 20,000 fans chanting “¡Sí se puede!” during a regular-season game. But let’s be honest: logistical hurdles, travel, and arena standards remain significant barriers. The G League’s Capitanes are a great start, but I don’t see Mexico City joining before 2035, if then. Then there’s Louisville—a classic basketball city with a rich college tradition. I love the nostalgia, but does it have the corporate backing? When I looked into it, the numbers weren’t convincing. Kansas City, with its sparkling T-Mobile Center, is another intriguing option. I’ve spoken with local business leaders who swear they can support a team, but without a clear ownership group, it’s hard to take seriously.

Let’s talk money, because expansion isn’t cheap. The entry fee for new teams is expected to be around $2.5 billion, maybe more. That’s a staggering number, but consider this: the league would split that revenue among existing owners, effectively serving as a massive stimulus package for every franchise. And with media deals evolving toward streaming and international markets, adding teams in strategic locations could boost the NBA’s value exponentially. I’ve seen estimates that expansion could push the league’s total valuation past $100 billion within a decade. That’s not just growth—that’s a revolution.

But here’s where I get a little opinionated: I don’t think the league should stop at two teams. I’d love to see four new franchises by 2040. Beyond Seattle and Vegas, I’d give a serious look to Montreal and Vancouver. Yes, Vancouver already had a team, and it didn’t work out—but that was 20 years ago. The Raptors’ success has shown that Canada is all-in on basketball. I’ve been to Vancouver multiple times, and the growth there is phenomenal. The city is more diverse, more connected, and more basketball-crazy than ever. Pair that with Montreal’s international flair, and the NBA could dominate the Great White North in a way it never has before.

Of course, expansion isn’t without risks. Diluting the talent pool is a real concern, though I’d argue that global scouting and player development have never been stronger. Remember Luka Dončić and Victor Wembanyama? The next wave of superstars is already brewing overseas and in the G League. And let’s not forget the potential impact on competitive balance. Adding new teams could create temporary power imbalances, but the league’s draft and salary cap systems are designed to manage that. If anything, expansion could reinvigorate the league’s middle class, giving more players meaningful roles and more cities a reason to care.

So when will this happen? My sources suggest we could see an announcement as early as 2027, with teams hitting the court by 2029 or 2030. Adam Silver is a strategist—he won’t rush this. But with the current CBA set to expire and media negotiations looming, the timing has never been better. The NBA is at a crossroads, and expansion isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for growth. As a longtime observer, I’m excited. The league needs new rivalries, new heroes, and new stories. Whether it’s Seattle’s redemption arc, Vegas’s high-stakes debut, or a surprise entry from north of the border, the next chapter of the NBA is being written right now. And I, for one, can’t wait to read it.