NBA Reportedly Preparing for Expansion Draft as League Eyes Two New Franchises

What’s more, an expansion draft is scheduled for summer 2028, allowing teams to strategically protect their top players. The future of the NBA looks bright, and fans can’t wait to see how it unfolds.

What Arenas Could Las Vegas and Seattle Use If the Expansion Goes Through?

If Seattle gets its long-awaited NBA expansion franchise, fans will reportedly cheer for their new team at the Climate Pledge Arena in the Seattle Center, home to over 17,100 excited fans. The arena is also where the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm play their games.

But the buzz isn’t just about Seattle. Reports from Evan Sidery reveal that Las Vegas is stepping into the game with plans for the “Las Vegas Diamond Arena,” which could become the future home for a new NBA team by 2028. This impressive arena would boast a capacity of over 21,000. Moreover, it is planned for the south end of the Strip, conveniently located near the A’s new MLB stadium.

Fans will have to be patient, as it could take more than two seasons before these new teams hit the court. But what can we expect in terms of conference shake-ups after the expansion? Adding two more teams will impact the league’s structure, and executives are already considering a major realignment.

The Minnesota Timberwolves or the Memphis Grizzlies might find themselves packing up for the Eastern Conference, as this shift aims to create a balanced league—16 teams on each side—with the new franchises joining the Western Conference.