Overview
- The NBA Board of Governors, which voted Wednesday, authorized the league to explore adding teams only in Seattle and Las Vegas.
- The league hired PJT Partners to evaluate ownership groups, finances, and arena plans over the coming months.
- Final approval needs at least 23 of 30 votes, and Commissioner Adam Silver said expansion is not assured even with a 2028–29 target.
- Expansion fees are expected to fall between $7 billion and $10 billion per team, reflecting surging team valuations and producing large one-time payouts for current owners.
- If both cities join the Western Conference, executives expect a conference shift that could move Minnesota or Memphis to the East.