The good and bad NBA expansion to Seattle, Vegas creates
Seattle Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The NBA’s Board of Governors is expected to vote this week on exploring expansion teams in Seattle and Las Vegas, potentially ending the decades-long wait for the return of an NBA franchise to Seattle.
- Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix predicts the vote will pass with overwhelming support, as NBA commissioner Adam Silver and league officials have worked to unify opinions on expansion.
- Expansion would bring the NBA to two strong markets with established fan bases, but it also risks diluting the talent pool and increasing the number of struggling teams, raising concerns about competitive balance.
- The league has opted for expansion rather than relocating struggling franchises like the Memphis Grizzlies or New Orleans Pelicans, despite some believing Seattle and Las Vegas are stronger markets.
- The potential return of the Sonics could revive interest in Seattle basketball, with speculation about star players like Kevin Durant possibly returning, and the Seattle Kraken ownership showing interest in NBA team ownership.
