I bet you’re here because you want to find out if your city will host the next NBA expansion team. That’s cool. Expansion is well overdue. The last time the NBA expanded was in 2004. Facebook had just launched, and the Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918.
Is it time to grow the league from 30 teams? Heck yes. The talent pool continues to get deeper, NBA viewership has gone up 16%, and it would give us an even amount of teams in both conferences.
The Next NBA Expansion Team?
It’s been many years since the Charlotte Bobcats were the last NBA expansion team, and the financial climate is very different now. Many teams are making healthy profits and potential owners are circling as a result. So now that the time is right here are the ten favorite cities for the next NBA expansion team:
10. Anaheim, California
California has the most NBA teams with four. Is there room for a fifth? Anaheim is the most likely landing spot for another team in the state and the city has been close before to snatching a franchise.
The Sacramento Kings would have relocated to Anaheim had it not been for the help from local business owners and Kings fans. If the chance ever arises Honda Center is ready and waiting to host a team.
Fun Fact: The Anaheim Royals name was filed for trademark in 2011 with the anticipation the Kings would relocate from Sacramento.
9. Hampton Roads, Virginia
Which major league will take a gamble on introducing a pro sports team in Virginia? The Astros, Expos and Marlins all attempted to relocate MLB teams to Virginia but failed. So too did the NBA’s Hornets, before moving to New Orleans.
Hampton Roads has a large metro population of in excess of 1.8 million, and the region is ranked first for percentage of TVs tuned in to NBA games. A regional rivalry could form with the Wizards, who themselves have considered moving base to Northern Virginia.
8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh doesn’t need to build an arena to host an NBA expansion team. PPG Paints Arena is already home to the Penguins, and also hosted March Madness games in 2022. The question remains whether a shrinking Pittsburgh population could support an NBA team in addition to existing NHL and MLB teams.
If we were to see a second team in Pennsylvania, these are some names for a potential Pittsburgh NBA expansion team:
- Pittsburgh Furnace
- Pittsburgh Copperheads
- Pittsburgh Engine
- Pittsburgh Ironmen
- Pittsburgh Fortress
- Pittsburgh Rebellion
7. Montreal, Canada
Montreal can easily handle an NBA expansion team with a metro population of over 4.3 million, which is larger than more fancied neighbors Vancouver. Bell Centre is already home to the Montreal Canadiens and is modern enough to host an NBA expansion team.
One of North America’s largest markets, Montreal has a large and growing Haitian and French-speaking African community which fits right into the NBA’s global brand.
Fun Fact: Haitian Canadians Bennedict Mathurin and Luguentz Dort were both born in Montreal and have made a big impact in the NBA.
6. Kansas City, Missouri
In addition to their hopes for an NHL expansion team, Kansas City’s chances of being awarded an NBA expansion team grows by the day. The passionate fan bases of the Chiefs, Royals and Sporting KC has pushed Kansas City into 14th place for best sports city.
The city was home to the Kansas City Kings before relocating to Sacramento in 1985, and there’s also no NBA team anywhere nearby to compete against a team in the city. Here’s the five biggest reasons why Kansas City can easily host an NBA team:
- Strong support for college teams: Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas State Wildcats are among the best in the country.
- Kansas City Jayhawks: Arguably the greatest college team of all-time. Their first head coach James Naismith literally invented basketball.
- Home to the College Basketball Hall of Fame: Located at the T-Mobile Center.
- T-Mobile Center: NBA-ready and already hosts the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament.
- No nearby NBA teams: Oklahoma City is 350 miles southwest of Kansas City, and Memphis 450 miles southeast.
“Our venue was built to house both an NBA and NHL team and still be one of the finest venues in the U.S.“
Kathy Nelson, CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission in 2021
5. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver was awarded an NBA expansion team in 1995. They lasted only six seasons before the Vancouver Grizzlies relocated to Memphis because they were losing games, money and fans.
The most fatal mistake Vancouver made was in the NBA draft, passing up on players including Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Tracy McGrady, Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter.
Fast forward to today and Vancouver has grown by more than 600,000 people since relocating, has a thriving economy, and is the third-largest North American market with only one major league sports team.
Oh, and whenever the Raptors take their preseason games to Rogers Arena they’re a sellout.
4. Mexico City, Mexico
Could the NBA handle the logistics of having to travel to Mexico City? The Spurs are the nearest NBA team with San Antonio 700 miles away. The altitude of the city is also 2,000 feet greater than Denver.
If you can overlook that, Mexico City can host the next NBA expansion team and here’s why:
- Mexico City hosted its 32nd NBA game in 2023.
- With a population of more than 9 million, Mexico City is bigger than New York City.
- The New Mexico Capitanes made their G League debut in 2021.
“(We want) a bigger footprint here in Latin America, ultimately, the dream of an NBA franchise coming to Mexico City one day.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver in 2023 after the Hawks-Magic game in Mexico City.
3. Louisville, Kentucky
The easy argument against expansion into Louisville is that it’s a small market. That’s irrelevant, as Louisville is bigger than both New Orleans and Memphis, and the city doesn’t have a pro sports team to compete against an NBA franchise. That means maximum media attention and attendances for games.
KFC Yum! Center is one of the best arenas not to host an NBA team, and the Cardinals and Wildcats are among the best college programs in the country.
An NBA expansion team in Louisville would also have the coolest name. The Kentucky Colonels? Kentucky Buckets? How about the Louisville Liberty?
Fun Fact: Kentucky has previously been ranked as the best US state for basketball thanks to the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. We’re yet to see the NBA expand into Las Vegas but its seemingly inevitable, ranking as our second favorite city to be awarded an expansion franchise. We wrote here 10 reasons why a team in Vegas makes sense, and these are our five favorite names for an NBA team in Las Vegas:
- Las Vegas Lions
- Las Vegas Outlaws
- Las Vegas Vipers
- Las Vegas Royals
- Las Vegas Venom
The NFL’s Raiders relocated from Oakland in 2020, and the Golden Knights and Aces have already brought home championships.
Las Vegas has also become the new frontier for the league as host of the annual NBA Summer League. There’s also no shortage of a potential homecourt with the already existing state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena, and plans for a potential $10 billion precinct which would include a new arena.
1. Seattle, Washington
Number one. The Seattle Supersonics – undisputed favorites for the next NBA expansion team. Seattle were robbed when the Supersonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. Even worse, the Supersonics could have made a genuine championship run with a roster including Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Kevin Durant.
Why did the Supersonics relocate to Oklahoma City? The Supersonics left Seattle because they couldn’t fund an upgrade to KeyArena. But after so much heartache, Seattle deserves an NBA team and the timing couldn’t be better.
KeyArena, now called “Climate Pledge Arena”, underwent and completed renovations in 2021 which exceeded $1 billion, ready in time to host the Seattle Kraken who joined the league that same year.
Seattle also has the 23rd most millionaires in the world as well as some of the biggest companies headquartered in the city – Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, Costco and Starbucks to name a few.
Money ain’t a problem now for Seattle, and you’d be very brave to bet against the city being awarded the next NBA team.
“I believe it will be back. I believe it will be part of expansion in the league and to help run the team and help guide the team as they come back into the league. I would absolutely love that.”
Kevin Durant in a 2024 interview with boardroom.tv
agree with first 3. how about Louisville Ky, Kansas City Mo,
Hi James, thanks for your comment! I’ve got you covered. Covered Louisville and KC in an earlier article:
https://www.wolfgangsport.com/2020/03/nba-expansion-5-cities-that-deserve-the-next-relocation-or-expansion-franchise/
The return of the Seattle SuperSonics via expansion is a no brainer. The 32nd team well that could go in many directions. I grew up in NYC watching the NBA and ABA and would love to see the Kentucky Colonels return. It was a travesty that they weren’t able to join the NBA. If it’s not the Colonels Las Vegas makes sense. Las Vegas Black Jacks would be a cool name. Forget Vancouver, Montreal and Mexico City. Vancouver had a chance and blew it. Mexico City is not wealthy enough and probably not safe enough. It will be interesting if the NBA looks at expansion as a way for teams to obtain cash after major pandemic loses.
Hi Edward, thanks heaps for your comment! Las Vegas could be a real option. Black Jacks sounds cool. I think the Las Vegas Spades could work and mirrors the Aces from the WNBA. I wrote about Kentucky in my original article and already having KFC Yum! Center works in favor.
https://www.wolfgangsport.com/2020/03/nba-expansion-5-cities-that-deserve-the-next-relocation-or-expansion-franchise/
You lost a team, you don’t deserve a new one. I hate the Rams,
The reasons why STL deserves a team…
1. FAN SUPPORT… I need this group to grow to prove this… Help me by following link and joining group please? https://www.facebook.com/groups/1276934609004300/?ref=share
2. Stl is the 21st biggest tv market https://mediatracks.com/resources/nielsen-dma-rankings-2019/
3. Stl has 6 billionaires. more then Kansas City and Las Vegas has combined. https://247wallst.com/special-report/2020/01/21/city-in-every-state-with-the-most-billionaires-2/
4. Stl has 11 – 500 fortune companies which ranks 7th most in 🇺🇸. https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2010/cities/
5. Stl already has a rich successful history in the NBA. In 1957 – 1958 season. Bob Pettit scored 50 pts in Game 6 of the NBA Finals to beat the Boston Celtics.https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1957%E2%80%9358_St._Louis_Hawks_season
6. St. Louis is one of the greatest sports cities of all time with Championships in NFL, MLB, NHL and of course the NBA… and don’t forget 1950’s USA World Cup team that won it all with 5 natives from stl.
Jason thanks for your comment mate! I joined the FB group to support.
The US only won one match in the Group Stage of the 1950 World Cup. Not sure what you think “won it all” means lol
I feel the NBA will expand to 4 more teams… Seattle SuperSonics, a team in Kansas City (Tornadoes, Pride, Bobcats). Las Vegas (Venom, Night Owls, Scorpions, Jacks) and i could see the other team in Vancouver coming back as the Grizzlies or the Kodiaks.
If Vancouver gets the Grizzlies back, I could see Memphis becoming the (Pharoahs, Rhythm, or Sound).
Mexico City would be nice but I worry about the affordability and interest. Louisville and St. Louis are closer to other market as is Pittsburgh. I live near Virginia Beach but realistically don’t see major support on the horizon, maybe it’s just me! Great beach area though!
Thanks for your comment Chance. I think Vegas will definitely get one. KC might not like the Bobcats brand seeing that Charlotte wrecked that one! I’d love to see Virginia Beach with a franchise and main reason, I created a 2k franchise and named them the Virginia Beach Minutemen. Took KD in free agency and absolutely tore the league to shreds.
Do you think with league losses from Covid and China that the NBA will accelerate expansion? If so,, when would be the earliest new teams could join and what would be the minimum expansion fee per team? My guess on the latter is 1.5 – 2B expansion fees? I also think the league will seek cities which have arenas in place as well as ownership groups that have the capital to pay cash for the team and not be leveraged with high debt from expansion fee.
Thanks for your comment Edward! It’s a really good question. I think that it’ll be much less probably around the $1b mark now for an expansion fee. The league could do with the cash influx so possibly bringing it up to 32 teams could be fast tracked. The NBA’s revenue streams with another 2 teams will expand.
Definitely teams with an NBA-ready arena will be favored. KeyAreana in Seattle is due to open 2021 so that could be a likely timeline, in addition to another team
Hi Edward, sorry mate should have got back to you a lot earlier! I think you’re spot on and I think we’ll hear sooner rather than later about expansion talks. It’ll be a huge influx to the league and will help out the existing 30 franchises. I’m sure they’ll be pushing for it behind the scenes
Do you think with league losses from Covid and China that the NBA will accelerate expansion? If so,, when would be the earliest new teams could join and what would be the minimum expansion fee per team?
Pingback: The Next NBA City? The Top 5 Cities for the Next NBA Relocation or Expansion Team - WOLFGANGsport
Yes the nba will expand after the cba expairs 2023 seattle sonics will be one the other will be up for what they feel is right places 1.vegas 2.st.louis 3.louisville 4 Virgina 5 kanas 6.pittsburgh 7.vancouver 8. San Diego/Anaheim 9.albuquerque 10.kentucky that my top ten In no order cash will talk on this matter I see them going 2 to maybe at the most 4 teams
Hi John, love the list mate. I’ agree with all of those I’ve written about them all except Albuquerque. A 34-team league would be extremely interesting and not that far fetched as it may seem as the league may want a huge cash injection
I give a bit more of a detailed breakdown of Vancouver’s suitability in this post: https://nbatovancouver.com/2021/01/10/nba-expansion-is-vancouver-ready/
Hi Matthew, loved the article. I know you’re Vancouver through and through but what are your thoughts on Montreal as an NBA city?
Honestly, I wouldn’t hate the idea of Montreal getting an NBA franchise…but I would for sure be upset if they got one before Vancouver. More than anything I want Montreal to get the Expos back.
Pingback: Real Reason Vancouver is the Next NBA Team - Basketball is Culture
Pingback: Why Seattle Supersonics NBA Return is Imminent - Basketball is Culture
Pingback: Why Las Vegas NBA Expansion Team Will Join the League - Basketball is Culture
Pingback: Is Kansas City NBA Expansion Team in Danger? - Basketball is Culture
Pingback: Why Las Vegas MLS Team Is the Next Expansion Franchise - Just Another Football Blog
As a Canadian i want nothing more then Vancouver to have another NBA team. But Seattle deserves it more then any other city. That and if (say expansion is announced soon) Seattle isn’t picked as a city, ALOT of fans locally and internationally could/would be left with a sour taste of disappointment and distrust from the NBA. Yes its a business at the end of the day, but its righting a wrong that should’ve never happened.
Pingback: Caesars: Hidden Value To Be Unlocked Through iGaming/Sports Betting (NASDAQ:CZR) – CryptoFinance7