All articles tagged with #nba expansion
Melinda French Gates is joining the Seattle Kraken ownership group and its umbrella organization, a high-profile move that could raise the profile of the team and intensify discussions about NBA expansion to Seattle.
Seattle leaders back the potential return of the SuperSonics as the NBA Board of Governors weighs expanding the league to 32 teams; Seattle’s bid effort is led by One Roof Sports and arena ownership, but costs, timing, and conditions remain unclear amid rising franchise values and a history of legal disputes over the team’s departure.
The NBA Board of Governors will vote next week to explore expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle, with an expected expansion fee of $7–10 billion and a potential start in 2028–29; MLS Cup will be played on a Friday night next season due to the FIFA World Cup pause and MLS’s shift to a summer‑to‑spring calendar; DAZN is reportedly finalizing a deal with Top Rank Boxing to carry eight to ten fights per year at roughly $1–$1.25 million per event, expanding the combat sports slate on the streamer. The article also notes broadcast and rights developments involving Fox Sports, ESPN on ABC, and other league/media topics.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced that the league plans to consider expansion by 2026, likely adding two teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, which would lead to realignment of divisions and a new expansion draft process, significantly impacting team rosters and league structure.
LeBron James and Nikola Jokić are reportedly involved in discussions about a new $5 billion international basketball league, inspired by LIV Golf and Formula One, which would feature touring teams and offer player equity stakes, potentially competing with NBA expansion efforts in Europe.
The NBA's recent expansion analysis has received a lukewarm response, with uncertainty surrounding the potential return of the Seattle Sonics and concerns about the Portland Trail Blazers' future and arena issues, leading to questions about the timeline and feasibility of expansion.
The Seattle Kraken promoted Dan Bylsma to head coach, replacing Dave Hakstol after a disappointing season. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman suggests the coaching change was influenced by the potential return of the NBA's Seattle Sonics, as the Kraken aim to strengthen their position in the market before the Sonics' possible arrival. Speculation about NBA expansion to Seattle has intensified, with the Kraken's Climate Pledge Arena being a likely venue for the new team.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has stated that the league will seriously consider expansion after the next media rights deal expires in 2025, with Las Vegas and Seattle being potential markets. Isaiah Thomas is among the veteran free agents working out for teams in Las Vegas, while Ricky Rubio is reportedly considering a return to his home country to play for Barcelona in 2024. Kennedy Chandler, who was waived by Memphis, is determined to get back on an NBA roster in 2023/24. Veteran agent David Falk finds NBA free agency "a little bit boring" due to restrictive cap and contract rules.