Over the years, the NBA has looked to expand into other markets in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. One of the cities that make the most sense would be Las Vegas, Nevada, as the WNBA already has an established franchise in the Silver State.
Las Vegas Has Added Major Franchises Over The Recent Years
Before the legalization of sports betting began, Las Vegas was the sports betting capital in the United States. The Silver State has more to offer than its luxurious casinos as it’s a tourist attraction, which can be translated to “business.”
The Las Vegas Aces were named the WNBA champions, and it’s not a matter of if an NBA will be in Vegas but when. Over the years, the NBA Summer League has been a mainstay in the Silver State and hosts numerous events like boxing and the UFC.
Las Vegas has also added two new major franchises over the years. The Las Vegas Golden Knights was an expansion team for the NHL, and the Oakland Raiders left California to become the Las Vegas Raiders.
Just a few months ago, there was a preliminary discussion to bring a baseball team to the state. The Golden State Warriors also left Oakland for a new arena across the bay in San Francisco.
The Oakland Athletics have had a few solid seasons due to their strong analytics department. However, they have struggled to keep their talented players due to their low budget. There is still a chance that the Oakland Athletics join the former Oakland Raiders in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Wouldn’t Just Be Another Expansion Team for the NBA
A Las Vegas NBA team will eventually make its home in Las Vegas, according to casino owner Derek Stevens. Located in the downtown casino district, Stevens owns Circa Resort and two other hotel-casinos, D Las Vegas and the Golden Gate.
These Las Vegas franchises currently have their own fanbases but also have fans and tourists from other parts of the United States and abroad. There would also be more job, and business opportunities as Vegas have a plethora of things to offer.
LeBron is not only one of the greatest basketball players of all time but has ownership in numerous businesses. In addition to being a part owner of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC, James has an interest in sports-team ownership.
Due to draft pick complications and other factors, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed reluctance to expand the league to more than 30 teams at this time. However, he believes that Seattle and Las Vegas are great markets. Seattle once had the Supersonics, but the franchise relocated to become the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Could Vegas Add Another Team Soon?
Currently, there is uncertainty if the NBA wants to add a team to the Silver State. However, the Oakland Athletics may consider the move according to recent reports.
According to reports, the A’s are interested in one site on West Sahara Avenue and the Strip and another near Harry Reid International Airport at the Tropicana hotel-casino. In recent years, the New York Mets had a Triple-A team out in Vegas but relocated to a closer location in Syracuse.
