Expansion is a reality! These are the two cities that will join the NBA

The NBA is heading towards the end of a historic drought. It has been 22 years since the last league expansion, when the Charlotte Bobcats were born in 2004, but everything points to the situation changing soon. The league is preparing to vote on the addition of two new franchises, with two cities clearly leading the way to secure the spots.

Las Vegas and Seattle are the top candidates to host the new teams and emerge as markets capable of operating successfully from the start.

In the case of Las Vegas, its growth in professional sports has been meteoric in recent years. First came the NHL with the Vegas Golden Knights; then, the city welcomed the NFL's Raiders in 2020; and in MLB, the Oakland Athletics are planning to move there in 2028 after a three-season transition period in Sacramento. The NBA seems to be the next league to land, presumably in time for the 2027-28 season.

The possible return of Seattle

Seattle could return to the league after an 18-year absence. The Seattle Supersonics played their last game in April 2008, ending a four-decade era in the city before moving to Oklahoma City to become the Thunder starting in the 2008-09 season.

Throughout its history in the NBA, the franchise experienced significant moments: reaching three Finals (1978, 1979, and 1996) and winning the title in 1979, as well as boasting iconic figures like Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and Kevin Durant.

Expansion fees are expected to exceed $5 billion per franchise. The NBA Board of Governors plans to put the decision to an official vote this summer.