The National Basketball Association (NBA) has hinted at its plans for expansion. This revelation came during the recent All-Star Weekend (Feb.16 – Feb. 18), a mere week following the confirmation of Las Vegas as a potential new home for an NBA franchise. Commissioner Adam Silver set the internet ablaze, when he dropped several hints about the future of the NBA. 

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Silver provided insights into the timeline and considerations behind the league's expansion strategy. Among the top contenders? The glamorous lights of Las Vegas, which Silver confidently placed on the league's expansion radar. Fans will have to wait a bit longer, as the NBA gears up for a pivotal media rights agreement. Silver highlighted the importance of securing a new television deal, set to replace the expiring contract at the end of next year.

"One of the reasons we hadn't expanded earlier was because even though the best players in the world come to this league, I think we were concerened about the dilution of talent. But look at the amount of talent in the league now," he explained. "Look how many great teams we have with great players...There are great cities out there that want teams and I think there's enough great players in the world that we could field tow more teams," he added. 

Potential cities are – Seattle, Vancouver, and also Montreal. The buzz around these popular locations has sparked excitement among basketball enthusiasts. Fans flocked to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share their Fan Of View. 

"We're all in agreement that it's going to be Vegas and Seattle, right?" asked a fan. "Vancouver, New Mexico, Vegas. All solid options. Tennessee would be good as well," added another. 

With labor peace secured until 2030, the NBA is poised for growth, fueled by the rising talent pool and global popularity of the sport. Former basketball icon turned sports analyst, Shaquille O'Neal, even expressed interest in owning one of these new teams – fueling further speculation about the expansion.

Adam Silver says "it's very likely (the NBA) will expand" and said it would likely be two more teams.

Silver said the league will focus on expansion following their current TV deals.

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While concerns about talent dilution have lingered, Silver took inspiration from the NFL's successful hosting of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas – signaling the potential for NBA expansion in the vibrant city. With the glitz and glamour of Sin City beckoning, it's only a matter of time before the NBA's presence graces the iconic Las Vegas Strip.

The NBA's expansion would mark a significant development since its last enlargement over two decades ago. In 2004, the association grew to 30 teams with the addition of the Charlotte Bobcats, following the relocation of the original Charlotte Hornets to New Orleans in 2002. A decade later, in a nod to its heritage, the Bobcats were rebranded as the Charlotte Hornets, while the New Orleans team was officially recognized as the New Orleans Pelicans, established in 2002.

This upcoming expansion is poised to open new markets and bring the excitement of NBA basketball to additional cities, reflecting the league's robust health and the sport's global appeal. Fans and cities alike eagerly await further announcements, as the NBA looks to chart a future that embraces growth and the global talent pool.

What do you think about the expansion? Let us know your Fan Of View by leaving a comment below. 

Photo Credit: @nba on Instagram.