2 Cities Clear Frontrunners As NBA Votes on Expansion This Summer

The NBA has gone a record 22 years now since its last expansion (the Charlotte Bobcats in 2004). But it appears that the drought will be coming to an end soon. The league is set to vote on expanding by two teams, and there are two clear frontrunner cities to land those spots.

The NBA Board of Governors is likely to vote this summer on expanding the league by two teams, per @townbrad.

Las Vegas and Seattle are considered the favored cities. pic.twitter.com/VVYJByhQEA
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 9, 2026

Las Vegas and Seattle are primed to be extremely successful NBA markets right off the hop.

Las Vegas & Seattle are clear frontrunners for NBA expansion

Las Vegas, of course, has been the hottest expansion city all over pro sports in the past few years. First came the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL, then Las Vegas became home to the NFL's Raiders in 2020. In MLB, the Oakland A's are on their way to Vegas in 2028, with a three-year layover in Sacramento in the meantime.

The NBA appears to be next, likely in time for the 2027-28 season.

Seattle could make its return to the NBA after an ongoing 18-year absence. The Seattle Supersonics played their last game in April of 2008. The team had a long history in the Pacific Northwest, playing 40 years in the city, before moving to Oklahoma City to become the Thunder for the 2008-09 season.

The city had a storied history in the NBA over that time, having made three Finals appearances (1978, 1979, 1996), and winning the 1979 NBA Championship. They've featured iconic players like Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and Kevin Durant.

Expansion fees are expected to be in excess of $5 billion per franchise.

The NBA's Board of Governors will take an official vote this summer.