LAS VEGAS (AP) — The NBA is set to decide on expanding its league within the next year. Commissioner Adam Silver indicated that the league could grow from 30 to 32 teams, with Las Vegas and Seattle as the front-runners.
Silver remarked, “We’re looking at Las Vegas and Seattle,” acknowledging the long-standing interest from both cities. Seattle’s SuperSonics left for Oklahoma City in 2008, creating a strong desire among fans for a return. “Both cities have great potential,” he added. Silver mentioned that they are assessing interest levels and the financial aspects before making a final decision around 2026.
In addition to expansion plans, Silver shared that the location of the NBA Cup final might shift away from Las Vegas. Possible venues include historic college arenas, marking a change in how the tournament final could be held. Starting next season, semifinal games will be held at the home arenas of the top teams, altering the final-four format originally centered in Las Vegas.
Despite switching to streaming on Amazon Prime Video, the NBA Cup is seeing rising viewership. The recent semifinals drew an average of 1.67 million viewers, a 14% bump from last year. Overall social media engagement has also exploded, with the league reporting a 126% year-over-year increase in views, surpassing 400 million across platforms.
Looking internationally, Silver hinted at updates regarding the NBA’s collaboration with FIBA to potentially launch a league in Europe. He noted plans for regular-season games in Berlin and London, showcasing the league’s commitment to global expansion.
On a more personal note, Silver expressed his disappointment over Chris Paul’s unexpected exit from the Los Angeles Clippers. He hopes to see Paul finish his career strong, stating, “It’s an unfortunate situation.” Silver, a former ally of Paul, emphasized his hope for a positive resolution moving forward.
Lastly, there are promising developments in the WNBA as negotiations aim to enhance player compensation. Silver assures that both the NBA and WNBA are committed to fair agreements. “Our players deserve better pay as the league grows,” he said, hinting at the necessity for compromise from both sides.
For more detailed insights on NBA expansion plans, you can read the full commissioner statement [here](https://www.nba.com/news/adam-silver-comments-expansion). Understanding the evolving landscape of basketball is essential as we look at potential franchises in vibrant markets like Las Vegas and Seattle.
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