The NBA denied the recent rumors about an expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas in the future.
A spokesperson of the league said the rumors are not true. Earlier this week, Bill Simmons of The Ringer noted the the league is examining the two cities for its expansion.
Seattle was part of the NBA for 40 seasons (1968-2008). The SuperSonics played twice in the Finals (1979, 1996) and won the title once (1979).
The Sonics then moved to Oklahoma City and are still playing in the city as the Thunder. For his part, the Mayor of Seattle is hopeful the NBA will return to the city.
“The odds are high. We’re very intentional about it. I chase down rumors and I chase down actual people in a position to make that happen. I feel good about our opportunity,” he said, via Bleacher Report.
For its part, Las Vegas never had an NBA franchise playing in the city. However, the city’s connection with gambling and the league’s investment in sports betting could make Vegas a natural selection for the expansion.
For his part, Commissioner Adam Silver has stated multiple times that the league will seek an expansion in the coming years.
So, what remains to be seen is what cities the league will examine when the time is right for the expansion.
From today’s BS Podcast: Why I believe the NBA is going to expand to Vegas and Seattle sooner than later, and why I believe LeBron will be part of the Vegas ownership group when it happens.pic.twitter.com/gBc5W3ixle — Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) February 28, 2022
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