Overview
- Team owners are scheduled to vote March 24–25 on authorizing an expansion process focused exclusively on Seattle and Las Vegas, requiring approval from 23 of 30 governors.
- If the authorization passes, the NBA would open a formal bidding process, with a final approval vote expected later in 2026 and new teams tentatively targeting the 2028–29 season.
- Tracy McGrady argued on his podcast and The Dan Patrick Show that the current talent pool is too thin, citing lopsided games and injuries as evidence of a declining on‑court product.
- Bill Simmons backed McGrady’s stance, labeling expansion a “money grab” and warning it could increase the number of noncompetitive, tanking teams.
- Reporting cites industry projections of roughly $7–10 billion per franchise and ready venues in Seattle and Las Vegas, with some media speculating a Western team could shift East to balance conferences if expansion proceeds.