Las Vegas is in the running for a basketball team after the NBA’s board of governors voted Wednesday to formally explore potential team expansion.
The NBA Board has authorised the league to look at opportunities to expand to Las Vegas, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington.
Bringing the NBA to Las Vegas for the first time would be a boon to the city and build on the entry of the Las Vegas Nights in the NHL in 2017, and the 2020 relocation of the NFL’s Raiders to Las Vegas from Oakland.
They will be joined in 2028 by MLB team the Athletics, which is also leaving California.
For Seattle, it would mark the first NBA team since the Seattle Supersonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008.
“Today’s vote reflects our Board’s interest in exploring potential expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle – two markets with a long history of support for NBA basketball,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.”
MGM Resorts International chief executive Bill Hornbuckle commented: “Thanks to the NBA’s board of governors for voting to explore expansion into Las Vegas. It’s only the first step, but it’s a big step. A new team would be great for both locals and visitors, while creating jobs and providing a boost to the economy.
“T-Mobile Arena was built for basketball and hockey. Our long-standing relationship with the League is a positive one that stretches back many years, and we would welcome the opportunity to work with the NBA on creating an unforgettable fan experience.”