Community Shootaround: NBA Expansion

As the NBA and NBPA work toward reaching a deal on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, the topic of expansion has become a popular one. The new CBA isn’t expected to necessarily open up the door for cities to apply for an expansion franchise, but with the league’s revenue stream at an all-time high and an intriguing arena proposal on the table in Seattle, there have been whispers that the NBA may be willing to consider the possibility of adding a team or two.

Seattle, with Chris Hansen‘s investment group still leading the charge on an arena project, is the city mentioned most frequently when expansion or relocation is discussed, but it’s not the only metropolis out there with possible NBA appeal. A recent report identified Louisville, Pittsburgh, Omaha, Las Vegas, Vancouver, and Mexico City as cities that could become viable candidates if investors and city leaders were to pursue a franchise.

Whether or not the league’s 30 current team owners would be willing to split their share of the league’s earnings with another franchise or two remains to be seen, but for the sake of today’s discussion, let’s say most team owners are on board.

Assuming that’s the case, how do you feel about the possibility of expansion? Should the NBA add more teams, or would the league risk diluting its player pool too significantly? If the NBA were to move forward with expansion, would it make sense to add multiple teams, or just one at a time? Is Seattle the only logical candidate for a 31st team, or would another city deserve a long look?

Weigh in below in the comments section to share your opinions on the topic. We look forward to hearing your thoughts.

View Comments (8)