Expansion is brewing in the NBA, but it won't happen in the blink of an eye.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spilled some beans on Thursday night before Game 1 of the NBA Finals. "I mentioned a while back, first comes the collective bargaining agreement, then the new media deals, and finally, expansion," Silver said during his annual Q&A with the media. "We've nailed part one, thanks to the Players Association. We're thrilled with how things are shaping up with our collective bargaining agreement." As for the media deals, it's a work in progress. We're aiming to tie up loose ends soon, and then it's full steam ahead with expansion."
Silver kept mum on the specifics of the media deals, but rumors hint at a massive revenue boost for the NBA. He also expressed regret over the prolonged negotiations, especially for the employees of TNT (now under Warner Bros. Discovery), a long-time NBA partner. "I'm sorry for dragging this out. I understand how unsettling this uncertainty can be for those dedicated to their jobs," Silver remarked. "It's on us at the league office to wrap things up pronto."
Expansion plans will take center stage after the media deals are inked, likely in July post-NBA Finals. "Expanding doesn't mean we're greenlighting new teams right away," Silver clarified. "It means setting up a committee of NBA governors to dig into it. Many markets are eager, and we'll put them through the paces. I'm excited about the prospects; while expansion isn't a given, the interest is palpable."
It's hard to imagine the league not expanding, and Seattle's return seems almost inevitable. Vegas is another hot contender. Previously, TV revenue concerns put expansion on ice, but with a burgeoning revenue pie and hefty expansion fees, owners are warming up. Each new team is expected to cough up over $4 billion, sweetening the pot for current owners.
But don't hold your breath; the expansion process will be deliberate. The NBA governors will scrutinize options, and there'll be a competitive bidding phase. Then, selected cities and ownership groups will embark on a multi-year ramp-up. The earliest tip-off could be in the 2028-29 season, but that's optimistic.
Despite Silver's tempering, NBA circles buzz with the certainty of expansion. It's not a question of if, but when.
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