Will NBA expand to new cities and what it means for basketball fans

As I sit here watching the NBA Finals, I can't help but wonder about the league's future expansion plans. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've witnessed the NBA grow from 29 to 30 teams when Charlotte returned in 2004, and I'm convinced we're approaching another expansion phase. The league's current $24 billion television deal with ESPN and TNT runs through 2025, and expansion fees could reach staggering numbers - I've heard whispers of $2.5 to $3 billion per new franchise. That's serious money even for a league that generated over $10 billion in revenue last season.

The expansion conversation reminds me of what happened in boxing recently with Jerwin Ancajas. The Nevada State Athletic Commission turned down several potential opponents for his scheduled appearance on the Pacquiao-Barrios card, including Casimero. This situation highlights how sports governing bodies must carefully manage growth and matchups. The NBA faces similar considerations - they can't just throw new teams into the mix without strategic planning. I remember when Vancouver and Toronto joined in 1995, the growing pains were real, but ultimately Toronto became one of the league's success stories, winning a championship in 2019.

Seattle feels like an absolute no-brainer for expansion. Having visited the city multiple times, the passion for basketball there is palpable, even 15 years after the SuperSonics left. The renovated Climate Pledge Arena is world-class, and the ownership group led by Tim Leiweke appears ready. Personally, I'd love to see the green and gold return to the NBA landscape. Las Vegas makes equal sense - the success of the Golden Knights in the NHL and the Raiders in NFL shows the market can support major professional sports. The NBA already holds its summer league there, and the new T-Mobile Arena would be a fantastic home court.

What many fans might not consider is how expansion affects competitive balance. I've crunched some numbers from previous expansions, and typically, new franchises struggle for about 5-7 years before becoming competitive. The 2004 Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) didn't make playoffs until their tenth season. But here's where it gets interesting for fans - expansion means more roster spots, more developmental opportunities for players, and frankly, more basketball to watch. As someone who consumes NBA content daily during season, I welcome more teams and storylines to follow.

The international angle fascinates me too. While most expansion talk focuses on US cities, the NBA's global reach suggests Mexico City or even London could be possibilities down the road. The league has played regular-season games in Mexico since 1992, and the G League's Capitanes team based in Mexico City shows the infrastructure is developing. I attended a game there last year, and the energy was incredible - though travel logistics would need significant work.

From a fan perspective, expansion means more than just additional teams - it means renewed rivalries, different broadcast schedules, and fresh narratives. I still remember the excitement when Miami joined in 1988 or when Orlando got their team the following year. Those expansions brought us new superstars and eventually championship contenders. The draft expansion rules would likely mirror previous patterns - where existing teams could protect 8 players, leaving some quality veterans available. Imagine the strategic possibilities for general managers!

The financial implications for current fans are mixed. While some worry about diluted talent, I believe the global player pool is deeper than ever. There are currently about 450 roster spots in the NBA, but thousands of professional players worldwide who could contribute. Expansion could actually improve quality by providing more opportunities for developed players stuck behind stars on deep teams. The salary cap would see a nice bump too from those massive expansion fees - potentially adding $10-15 million to the cap over a few years.

Looking at other sports' expansion history provides useful context. The NHL added Seattle recently with great success, while MLB has maintained 30 teams since 1998. The NFL hasn't expanded since 2002, but added a 17th game to increase revenue. The NBA's approach will likely follow the NHL model - careful selection of markets with arenas and ownership groups already in place. Having spoken with several league insiders, the consensus is that expansion isn't a matter of if, but when and where.

As a basketball purist, I have some concerns about watering down the product, but the business realities make expansion almost inevitable. The league's popularity has never been higher globally, and there are several markets capable of supporting franchises. The key will be ensuring competitive balance through thoughtful expansion draft rules and perhaps even adjusting the playoff structure. Personally, I'd love to see four divisions of eight teams each, creating more natural rivalries.

The timeline seems to point toward an announcement within the next 2-3 years, with teams potentially debuting around 2028. That would coincide nicely with the next media rights negotiation cycle. For fans, this means more cities experiencing the joy of having their own NBA team, more young players getting opportunities, and ultimately, more great basketball. Despite some traditionalists' concerns, I'm genuinely excited about what expansion could bring to the game we all love. The NBA has proven remarkably adept at managing growth while maintaining quality, and I'm confident they'll get this right too.