NBA Expansion: Las Vegas Is the Frontrunner, Mexico City Floated as Alternative to Seattle
The National Basketball Association (NBA) plans to grow to 32 teams. Las Vegas is the leading candidate, while commissioner Adam Silver is reportedly also considering Mexico City as an alternative to Seattle.
The NBA, North America's top professional basketball league, currently has 30 teams and plans to expand to 32. According to ESPN, league commissioner Adam Silver has begun considering Mexico City as a possible alternative, as Seattle's prospects are reportedly no longer so secure. Until now, Las Vegas and Seattle had been the main cities named in expansion plans.
Las Vegas remains the strongest candidate
Las Vegas is still seen as the most convincing contender for one of the two new spots. A decision on the team's new owner could come within the next few weeks. Three investor groups are competing for a franchise in the city. Total costs, including building a new arena, could reach as much as 13 billion US dollars.
Seattle's bids more modest
Seattle investors' offers are said to be considerably smaller. Silver may be bringing up Mexico City to push for larger sums, according to the reports. From 1967 to 2008, Seattle was home to the SuperSonics, who later moved to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder.
Will two teams join at once?
It is not yet guaranteed that two new teams will join the league at the same time. If they did, each current club could receive roughly 500 to 600 million dollars in expansion fees.
