The NBA has delayed expansion talks, with the potential sale of the Boston Celtics cited as a key reason, a new report by ESPN suggests.
Commissioner Adam Silver recently updated the league’s board of governors, stating that expansion would be discussed “at some point this season.”
However, the NBA has decided to wait for the Celtics’ sale to be finalized before proceeding with expansion discussions.
The sale of the Celtics is expected to set a new record for franchise valuations, following the Phoenix Suns’ $4 billion sale in 2023.
This delay in expansion talks may affect the timeline for introducing new teams in cities like Seattle and Las Vegas.
NBA insiders believe expansion could net the league over $10 billion, with each existing team receiving a large payout.
Expansion is a complex process, requiring consideration of city selection, ownership bids, and potential changes to conference alignments.
While Seattle and Las Vegas remain frontrunners for new teams, cities like Mexico City and Vancouver could also join the mix.
The NBA last expanded in 2004 with the Charlotte Bobcats, and expansion could take several years to complete.
Franchise valuations have skyrocketed, making expansion an enticing option for the league’s owners.
The NBA’s new TV deal, worth $76 billion over 11 years, has reduced concerns about diluting revenue with new teams.
