NBA expansion talks for Seattle and Las Vegas are officially moving into deeper stages, and it’s time for the Emerald City to pay attention. ESPN’s Shams Charania dropped an update on Tuesday’s NBA Today, confirming what we’ve been dreaming about: a potential new team in Seattle could command bids in the staggering $7 billion range. Yeah, you read that right. Seven. BILLION.
The Green Light and The Greenback
The NBA Board of Governors gave the nod for exploring expansion into our city and Vegas way back in March, and Charania’s intel tells us the process is now in “deeper and deeper stages.” For Las Vegas, things are really heating up. The next round of bids for a team there are due on Thursday, with final bids expected shortly after. We’re talking proposals reaching and potentially even *exceeding* $10 billion for Sin City’s franchise! It sounds crazy, but that’s the going rate. Charania also noted that Vegas has moved with “more pace” than Seattle in this whole process. But don’t you dare get discouraged, Seattle! Our conversations are still “continuing as well.” We’re still in the game!
When Can We Get Our Team Back?
The league has been eyeing “as soon as the 2028-29 season” for these new expansion teams to actually hit the court. Imagine it: new hardwood at Climate Pledge Arena, a packed house, our own team. Both potential new franchises, Seattle and Vegas, are projected to be in the NBA’s top 10 for market and revenue share moving forward. Commissioner Adam Silver is keeping the bid process going strong, though it’s still “unclear when a final vote would be.” We should get more clarity on those final offers,potentially $10 billion-ish for Las Vegas and that crucial $7 billion range for Seattle,”over the next couple of months.” Then, a potential vote to finalize expansion to 32 teams.
So, keep your eyes glued to those sports feeds over the next couple of months, Seattle. This isn’t just some vague rumor anymore. This is real money, real timelines, and our chance to finally bring pro basketball back to the Emerald City. Our moment is coming. Let’s make some noise!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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