Adam Silver claims he is not teasing any fan base when talking about league expansion
Expansion Talk Returns to the NBA Spotlight
For fans hoping to see an NBA franchise in Seattle or Las Vegas, the path forward remains uncertain. The league has not committed to expansion. Still, recent comments from Commissioner Adam Silver offered cautious optimism that the conversation may finally reach a turning point in 2026.
Silver confirmed the league continues to evaluate both markets. He stressed transparency and patience. “It’s not a secret. We’re looking at this market in Las Vegas. We are looking at Seattle,” Silver said. He also acknowledged that the NBA has examined other cities. At the same time, he made clear the league does not want to create false expectations or give the impression it is dangling expansion as a promise.
Seattle and Las Vegas remain at the center of the discussion. Seattle carries a rich NBA history and a proven fan base. Las Vegas has emerged as a modern sports hub, with growing success across multiple professional leagues.
Why Seattle and Las Vegas Still Lead the Conversation
Seattle’s case begins with legacy. The city supported the SuperSonics for decades and celebrated an NBA championship. That history still matters to the league. Silver openly referenced the success the NBA once had in Seattle. The city also brings strong corporate backing and a basketball-savvy fan culture.
Las Vegas represents a different type of opportunity. The city has rapidly transformed into a major league destination. The NBA already has a footprint there through the WNBA’s Aces, who have built a strong following. Silver expressed confidence that Las Vegas could support an NBA franchise, even with increased competition for entertainment dollars.
Despite that confidence, the league wants clarity. Silver said the NBA is working directly with ownership groups to gauge interest. The league also wants a firm grasp on the financial realities. That includes revenue projections, market sustainability, and long-term economic viability.
Why Expansion Is Not a Done Deal Yet
Many assumed expansion would follow once the NBA finalized its U.S. television deals and reached a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Those milestones are now in place. Expansion, however, has not moved to the front of the line.
Silver emphasized that the decision does not rest with him alone. NBA owners control expansion votes. Each ownership group must see clear value before approving new franchises. That process takes time and consensus.
The league also feels no urgency. Expansion brings opportunity, but it also dilutes shared revenue. Owners want assurance that new teams will strengthen the league rather than strain it.
What 2026 Could Mean for the NBA
Silver pointed to 2026 as a realistic checkpoint. By then, the league expects to have detailed economic models for potential teams. Owners should also have a clearer sense of market readiness and ownership strength.
For now, Seattle and Las Vegas remain strong candidates. Nothing is guaranteed. Still, for the first time in years, expansion no longer feels like a distant theory. It feels like an active evaluation.
The next two seasons may determine whether that long-awaited return to Seattle — or a first NBA chapter in Las Vegas — finally becomes reality.
Evan Weiner’s books are available at iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/author/evan-weiner/id595575191
Evan can be reached at evan_weiner@hotmail.com
