NBA: Adam Silver Announces Expansion Decision in 2026

For the first time since expansion discussions began, Adam Silver has provided a definitive timeline. During a press conference held before the NBA Cup final in Las Vegas, the NBA commissioner announced that a decision will be made in 2026 regarding the addition of new franchises to the league.

« Regarding expansion in the United States, it’s a topic we continue to study, » Silver stated. « We are currently working with our franchises to gauge their level of interest and better understand what the economic realities on the ground would be for these teams, as well as the corresponding financial projections. Then, during 2026, we will make a decision. »

Seattle and Las Vegas in Pole Position for Expansion

The commissioner didn’t hide the league’s preferences regarding future markets. « It’s no secret that we are examining the Las Vegas market. We’re also looking at Seattle. We’ve studied other markets as well, » he specified, while remaining cautious about created expectations.

Seattle presents an ideal historical profile, having hosted the SuperSonics until 2008 before their relocation to Oklahoma City. Las Vegas, meanwhile, has established itself as a de facto NBA destination, hosting the Summer League for twenty years and now the NBA Cup finals. « I have no doubt that Las Vegas, despite the current presence of many other major league franchises and other entertainment offerings, could absolutely support an NBA team, » Silver confirmed.

The Economic Challenge of Dividing the Pie into 32 Pieces

The main obstacle remains economic. Silver explained the particular complexity of NBA expansion: « An in-place expansion amounts to selling shares of the current championship. If you currently own 1/30th of the league, you’ll own 1/32nd if two teams are added. So it’s a much more complex economic analysis. »

This revenue distribution, particularly television rights, requires the agreement of the 30 current owners who must accept a dilution of their shares. The league must demonstrate that the value created by two new franchises will offset this additional division.

The NBA hasn’t experienced expansion since the arrival of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2004. With a decision expected in 2026, fans in Seattle and Las Vegas could finally see their dreams realized after years of waiting and speculation.