The NBA has officially launched the process to expand the league to 32 franchises, according to Shams Charania. Multiple high-ranking league officials have reportedly characterized the expansion as a matter of "when, not if," as the league moves toward adding two new teams.
As part of this formal process, the NBA will spend the next several months examining specific bids from Seattle and Las Vegas. The league's evaluation will focus on the viability of these markets and determine whether to execute the purchase of new franchises immediately or delay the expansion for several years.
Seattle has been without an NBA team since the SuperSonics relocated in 2008, while Las Vegas has frequently been cited as a primary candidate for professional basketball growth. This expansion would bring the league to an even 32 teams, aligning its size with other major professional sports leagues like the NFL and NHL.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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