The NBA has been a league that has expanded multiple times over the years, and the idea of adding new teams always adds excitement among basketball fans. While some cities seem like natural choices for expansion, there are others that often fly under the radar. Whether further expansion in the years to come comes to fruition remains to be seen however, one thing that is for certain is that a brighter spotlight has never been shone on the planet’s biggest basketball league.
That’s because the recent NBA Playoffs garnered worldwide attention. The primary reason for that was Jimmy Butler and his upstart Miami Heat. For those that follow NBA live betting odds, you’ll already be aware that the Florida-based were huge underdogs heading into the postseason.
They were the lowest-seeded team in the entire Eastern Conference however they immediately silenced their doubters by thrashing the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks by four games to one in the first round. They then dispatched the New York Knicks in the Conference Semifinals before edging out the second-seed Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals. In the end, though, Nikola Jokić and his Denver Nuggets had too much for the Heat to manage, eventually triumphing by four games to one in the NBA Finals and securing the first Larry O’Brien Championship trophy in franchise history.
Five Potential Cities for NBA Expansion
As such, it’s no surprise that the NBA is in its healthiest-ever position. But which cities could be set to benefit from that via expansion in the coming years?
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is not only known for its thriving economy and growing population, but it’s also home to some of the largest sports stadiums in the country. Take the T-Mobile Arena, for example, which frequently hosts major events like music concerts, as well as exciting UFC and Boxing super fights. Additionally, the city’s massive resorts offer a diverse range of entertainment options, including casinos, top-notch restaurants, and internationally acclaimed performances.
Introducing an NBA franchise to Sin City would undoubtedly attract a massive influx of tourists, who could enjoy the city’s welcoming atmosphere and exceptional amenities, all while cheering on their favorite basketball teams. We have seen the success of both the Vegas Golden Knights and the Las Vegas Raiders in recent years. With the MLB franchise Oakland Athletics relocating to the city in the not-so-distant future, it seems like an NBA franchise in the city is a matter of when rather than if.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle has been mentioned a lot while talking about NBA expansion. The Seattle SuperSonics were an NBA franchise that played in the Emerald City from 1967 to 2008 when they moved to Oklahoma City. Seattle appears to be the front-runner for a new NBA franchise due to its passionate sports fans, as seen by their support for the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC, as well as recent renovations to the KeyArena.
Mexico City, Mexico
A fantastic travel destination for NBA teams is Mexico City because of its diversity, culture, and extensive history. One of Latin America’s biggest and most technologically equipped stadiums, the Arena Ciudad de Mexico offers a state-of-the-art setting for showcasing league matches. It can also spark rivalries between Mexican and American teams and create enthusiasm across the border due to its strategic location.
Louisville, Kentucky
With a population of around 620,000 and a flourishing business and tourism sector, Louisville, Kentucky, is an exciting city on the rise. With good reason, it’s being more and more considered a potential location for an NBA expansion team. Due to the production of NBA stars like Wes Unseld, Darrell Griffith, and Rajon Rondo, the city has a strong basketball history.
Louisville has state-of-the-art venues, like the KFC Yum! Center, which can accommodate basketball games and other events. Due to its strategic location, the city is easily reachable from Eastern and Midwestern places, making it convenient for both participants and spectators.
But Louisville stands out because of its love of basketball. In the past, Louisville has consistently shown its dedication to the sport by cheering for teams competing in high-stakes competitions. Now is the time for the NBA to seriously consider adding a team to Louisville to increase its footprint in this exciting and thriving market.
Vancouver, Canada
There has been a lot of conjecture about where the NBA would aim to expand next as it continues to expand and increase its impact on the international basketball scene. Vancouver, Canada, is one place that should unquestionably be considered. The crown jewel of British Columbia has already established itself as a promising market for basketball because of its vibrant basketball culture and fervent fan base.
Additionally, located in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver provides easy access to both the US West Coast and East Asia, further expanding the NBA’s global reach. With its beautiful scenery, diverse population, and vibrant city life, Vancouver has the potential to become a beloved NBA city and an important asset to the league’s continued growth.
