Las Vegas just got a whole lot closer to landing an NBA team. On Wednesday, the league’s Board of Governors voted unanimously to explore adding expansion franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle. All 30 owners voted in favor of the move.
Governor Joe Lombardo wasted no time responding:
“Today’s vote by the NBA Board of Governors is a testament to the incredible growth we’re seeing in Southern Nevada and our state’s business-friendly environment,” Lombardo said.
“Las Vegans have already shown unwavering support for our professional sports franchises, and a new NBA team will provide even more entertainment, more jobs, and more small business growth for the region.”
The NBA Board of Governors voted to officially explore an expansion team in Las Vegas. Very excited to see them advance this process!
My full statement: pic.twitter.com/xRDmVW4my0
— Governor Joe Lombardo (@JosephMLombardo) March 25, 2026
What the Vote Actually Means
Let’s be clear about what happened Wednesday. What the league’s board voted to approve is being called an exploration of “potential team expansion.” Prospective ownership groups will now be tasked with putting together their bids and plans in an effort to prove to the league that they’re worthy of owning NBA franchises.
In plain terms: the door is open, but nobody has walked through it yet.
The league will examine Seattle and Las Vegas bids over the next several months, and whether to execute the new franchise purchases in 2026 or in a few years. There will be a potential final vote later this year to finalize the transactions.
The NBA last expanded in 2004 with a team in Charlotte, North Carolina.
So this is a big deal. It has been more than two decades since the league added a franchise anywhere.
The Price Tag Is Enormous
Here is the number that matters most to anyone thinking about the economics of this: a bidding process is expected to generate offers in the $7 to $10 billion range for each team.
That is private money, not taxpayer money. That is the key detail for conservatives watching this story closely.
Las Vegas has become a magnet for professional sports with minimal government giveaways compared to some other cities. The NHL Golden Knights came in 2017, and the NFL’s Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020. Major League Baseball’s Athletics are in the process of doing the same for the 2028 season. Las Vegas has also been home to the WNBA’s Aces since 2018.
Each of those teams brought jobs, tourism, and tax revenue. A new NBA franchise would do the same.
Why Conservatives Should Pay Attention
This story is worth watching for a few reasons.
First, it is proof that Nevada’s business climate works. Governor Lombardo has been vocal about making Nevada a place where businesses want to invest and grow. A unanimous vote by 30 NBA owners to explore Las Vegas is a vote of confidence in that vision.
Second, the question of public subsidies will come up. It always does with professional sports. Conservatives should keep a close eye on whether any taxpayer dollars are put on the table as part of this process. The most important thing is that any deal be driven by private investment.
Third, the economic ripple effects are real. Small businesses around a new arena benefit. Hotel occupancy rises. Restaurant and entertainment spending increases. That is growth driven by market demand, not government programs.
League Changes
There are also legitimate basketball questions. Adding two new teams could significantly change the league, creating a power balance shift as more talent is spread across 32 teams instead of 30. Existing teams will lose some players in any expansion draft.
Conference realignment will also have to be figured out. With both Seattle and Las Vegas in the western part of the United States, both teams would obviously join the Western Conference. That would create the need for one team to be moved to the Eastern Conference.
What Comes Next
Governor Lombardo said he looks forward to:
“continuing conversations with Commissioner Silver and league officials to ensure this expansion delivers lasting benefits for the state of Nevada.”
The 2028-29 season appears to be the earliest the new franchises could start playing. There is still a long road ahead. Ownership groups must submit bids, the league must vet them, and a final vote must follow.
For Nevadans, though, the momentum is real. Las Vegas has proven it can support major league sports. The market is there. The fans are there. And if the deal gets done the right way – with private investment leading and taxpayers protected – this is exactly the kind of economic growth conservatives can get behind.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
