The NBA is officially looking to grow. Las Vegas and Seattle are the exclusive targets for new expansion teams.

The league’s Board of Governors approved a vote to explore bids from these two cities. This marks the first major step toward a 32-team league.

The bidding process will be highly lucrative. Sources expect offers between seven and ten billion dollars for each new franchise.

Commissioner Adam Silver praised the decision. He stated the vote reflects the board’s interest in two markets with a “long history of support for NBA basketball.”

The league hired an investment bank to evaluate potential ownership groups and arenas. A final vote to approve the additions is expected later this year.

Officials are targeting the 2028-2029 season for the two new teams to begin play.

This move marks the NBA’s first expansion since 2004. It will finally return basketball to Seattle and bring a highly anticipated franchise to Las Vegas.