The NBA is reportedly discussing a possible delay to the launch of its Las Vegas expansion franchise, with the team’s debut potentially moving from the originally targeted 2028-29 season to 2029-30.
No final decision has been made, and the league is still evaluating competing ownership proposals as it prepares for its first expansion since 2004. Three groups are currently pursuing the Las Vegas franchise.
Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie and her husband, Bill Laurie, are leading one bid, while Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley heads another alongside Jerry Colangelo and former Turner Broadcasting president David Levy.
Canadian businessman Steve Apostolopoulos is behind the third proposal, which also includes former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated that the league expects to make an expansion decision before the end of the year.
An unofficial agreement with one of the Las Vegas bidders could reportedly emerge by late November, although an announcement is not considered imminent.
Las Vegas may be addressed before Seattle, where efforts to restore the SuperSonics are also underway.
Seattle Kraken owner Samantha Holloway is considered a leading prospective bidder, while unsuccessful Las Vegas ownership groups could potentially shift their attention to that market.
