The NBA’s long-discussed expansion plans may take a significant step forward this summer, with league owners expected to consider the issue during the upcoming Board of Governors meeting in July.
Seattle and Las Vegas continue to be viewed as the leading candidates for potential expansion franchises, and an official vote could help determine whether the process moves into its next phase.
Even if expansion receives approval, the NBA is not expected to move quickly.
The league would still need to complete several major steps, including identifying ownership groups, evaluating bids, and establishing timelines for the introduction of any new franchises.
Another key issue would be the structure of an expansion draft.
The NBA has not added a new team since the Charlotte Bobcats entered the league in 2004, meaning league officials would need to create updated rules governing how existing teams protect players and how expansion clubs build their initial rosters.
Conference alignment is also expected to become a major topic of discussion.
Because both Seattle and Las Vegas would be located in the Western Conference, the NBA would likely need to shift one current franchise to the Eastern Conference to maintain balance between the two sides of the league.
The teams most frequently mentioned as candidates for a conference change are the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New Orleans Pelicans.
While several hurdles remain, the upcoming Board of Governors meeting could mark the next major step toward the NBA’s first expansion in more than two decades.
NBA May Vote On Expansion At July Board Of Governors Meeting https://t.co/D6pYkqafgU
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 16, 2026
