NBA Expansion: Seattle Loses Ground in Return to the World's Best League
With Las Vegas in the equation, it seems that Mexico City is gaining ground to be the second franchise to join the party
The NBA plans to expand the competition from 30 to 32 franchises in the 2028-29 season, provided there are no changes to the current plans. While Las Vegas appears to have one of the two new spots secured, the uncertainty revolves around the identity of the other city that will host a franchise. Seattle, whose return to the league seemed practically guaranteed, has found an unexpected competitor in Mexico City.
Las Vegas, Adam Silver's top priority
Las Vegas is the leading candidate to receive one of the new teams. The city has solidified its presence in American professional sports with the WNBA's Aces, the NFL's Raiders, and the NHL's Golden Knights. Additionally, it has a market of investors that would, in principle, be prepared to support the arrival of an NBA franchise.
The league has also sent numerous signals about its intentions. The three editions of the NBA Cup have held their semifinals and finals at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. This decision is, at least in part, a response to commissioner Adam Silver's plans to bring the league to the city of casinos.
Seattle loses ground as Mexico City emerges as an alternative
The big question is the second franchise. For years, the return of the Seattle Supersonics has been considered one of the most likely options. The historic team disappeared in 2009 when the Thunder were created, inheriting the franchise's history before relocating to Oklahoma. Since then, the possibility of reviving NBA basketball in Seattle has been present, with the remodeled Climate Pledge Arena as a potential venue.
However, recent reports indicate that the league may not be completely satisfied with the economic proposals put forward by the local investor group. This situation has opened the door for Mexico City, which has gained prominence as a serious alternative.
A group of Mexican investors has presented a plan to build a new district that would include its own arena. The proposal has reportedly caught Adam Silver's interest, although it is still unclear if Mexico is a real option for expansion or if its emergence is also part of a strategy to pressure Seattle.
A multi-billion dollar operation
The addition of two new franchises will represent an economic operation of enormous dimensions. The new owners would have to pay an estimated entry fee of between $7 billion and $10 billion per team.
The current owners would also benefit. As these payments are not considered basketball-related revenue, the money would not be shared with the players, but directly among the 30 current owners. Each franchise would thus receive a net income of between $500 million and $600 million.
The NBA keeps its options open
ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst has reported this change in scenario and has stated that Silver informed the franchise owners that Seattle would no longer be considered a sure option. However, Windhorst himself has noted that the commissioner may be using Mexico City’s candidacy to pressure the American city.
For now, speculation continues as the NBA defines its future. In addition to expansion, the league is still working on its plans for European basketball, whose development still presents numerous uncertainties.
The coming months will be decisive in determining which cities will receive the two new franchises and where the league will head in its various projects. Meanwhile, the desire of fans seems to lean toward the return of the Supersonics to Seattle, a city with a rich basketball history. The final decision is yet to come.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Expansión NBA: Seattle pierde terreno para volver a la mejor liga del mundo
