NBA Expansion Decision Set for 2026, Silver Confirms

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that a decision regarding league expansion will be made in 2026. Speaking at a news conference before the NBA Cup final, Silver noted that discussions with team owners about potential new markets, specifically Las Vegas and Seattle, are ongoing.

He emphasized that expanding the league from 30 to 32 teams involves complex economic considerations, as it essentially means selling equity within the league. Silver mentioned that Las Vegas has shown a strong potential to support an NBA team, given its existing sports infrastructure and successful hosting of events like the Summer League and the NBA Cup.

Seattle, which lost the SuperSonics in 2008, remains a strong candidate due to its historical success with basketball. The NBA last expanded in 2004 with the Charlotte Bobcats, making the upcoming decision significant for the league's future.

Silver expressed his desire to understand the financial implications for new franchises before making a determination in 2026, urging caution against teasing potential expansion markets. This marks the first time a timeline for expansion has been publicly acknowledged by Silver, who has discussed the topic intermittently over the past five years.