NBA Expansion Talk Cools As Relocation Speculation Surrounds Pelicans

NBA commissioner Adam Silver pumped the brakes on expansion speculation last week, signaling that the league is not ready to add new franchises until its regional broadcasting future is resolved.

“We would be malpracticing if we didn’t figure out how local regional television is going to work before expanding,” Silver told reporters during the Board of Governors meeting. “The notion that we would hand over a team into a city where we’re not currently operating and say, ‘You’re going to have to figure out how you’re going to distribute your games to your local fans,’ doesn’t make sense.”

Expansion has long been viewed as a near-certainty, with cities like Seattle and Las Vegas considered frontrunners. But Silver’s comments suggest that, for now, the league is focused on media stability ahead of market growth.

Relocation Could Offer Alternative Path to Market Growth

While the door to expansion may be temporarily closed, relocation remains a potential avenue to increase franchise values and tap into new markets.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons floated the New Orleans Pelicans as the most likely relocation candidate during a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, citing the team’s lease expiring in 2029 and a historically lukewarm fanbase.

“This is an experiment that has not worked for 50-plus years in New Orleans with professional basketball,” Simmons said. “If somebody bought them and just moved them to Seattle and paid everybody relocation fees… that seems like where this is headed.”

Simmons also identified Las Vegas, Mexico City, and Nashville as potential destinations, noting that relocation wouldn’t require the league to split future media rights among additional owners — a major factor amid growing broadcast uncertainty.

New Orleans’ Struggles Fuel Speculation

The Pelicans averaged just over 17,100 fans per home game in 2024-25, ranking 22nd in the NBA, per ESPN. On the court, the team has made the playoffs just nine times in 23 seasons since its 2002–03 debut. New Orleans has won just two playoff series and never advanced past the second round.

The franchise owns a lifetime winning percentage of .461 and a 22–37 postseason record. While the Pelicans have had stars — from Chris Paul to Anthony Davis to Zion Williamson –sustained success and fan engagement have been harder to come by.

To date, there’s no indication from the league or team ownership that a move is under consideration. Zach Lowe noted he hasn’t heard of any other teams viewed as “relocation threats” at this time.

Still, with expansion delayed and new markets hungry for a team, speculation around the Pelicans may continue to build.

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