The NBA appears ready to bring professional basketball back to Seattle after nearly two decades, with the league also targeting Las Vegas for expansion. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Board of Governors will vote on March 24-25 to authorize the league to begin a formal bidding and franchise purchasing process. The expansion teams are expected to debut in the 2028-29 season.
Seattle has been under consideration since the Sonics relocated to Oklahoma City following the 2007-08 season. Despite years of speculation, prior efforts stalled over financial uncertainties and unclear revenue projections. This time, the league has identified Seattle and Las Vegas as markets with strong financial potential, projecting each could generate $7-10 billion in annual revenue, placing them among the top NBA markets.
NBA Moves Closer to Expansion with Seattle Return and Las Vegas AdditionClear Financial Projections Pave the Way for Seattle and Las Vegas NBA Expansion
Charania emphasized that this clarity in financial expectations has been critical to moving forward, as owners and executives now better understand franchise fees, long-term profitability, and growth opportunities.
The March Board of Governors vote is expected to be largely procedural, granting the NBA the authority to solicit bids from prospective owners. Once bids are submitted and reviewed, final approval could occur by the end of 2026. If all proceeds as expected, the move would restore basketball to the Pacific Northwest while introducing Las Vegas as a major market, bringing substantial revenue potential for the league and new franchise owners.
The decision marks a turning point in NBA expansion planning, combining historical fan demand, strategic market growth, and strong financial projections. Seattle fans, in particular, may finally see the return of the Sonics, while Las Vegas joins the league as an emerging basketball destination, signaling a new chapter for the NBA’s growth strategy.
