You've probably heard the rumors. Maybe you saw a grainy jersey concept on Twitter or a TikTok "leak" about the Seattle SuperSonics coming back. It feels like we've been talking about this forever. Honestly, for a league that thrives on drama and "Who’s next?" energy, the NBA has kept us waiting for a long time. The last time the league grew was back in 2004 with the Charlotte Bobcats.
That's a massive gap.
But things just shifted. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently dropped the most definitive timeline we've ever had. If you're asking what is the new NBA team, the short answer is: we don't have a name yet, but we are officially on the clock for 2026.
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Why 2026 is the Magic Year for Expansion
For years, Silver used the same line. He'd say the league needed to figure out the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the next media rights deal before even thinking about expansion. Well, those boxes are checked. The NBA just kicked off a massive 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal with NBC, Amazon, and ESPN.
The money is in the bank.
Now, the "determination" phase has started. Silver confirmed in late 2025 and again this January that the league office is currently gauging interest from current owners. Adding teams is complicated because it dilutes the pot. If you own 1/30th of a multi-billion dollar business, you aren't exactly rushing to own 1/32nd unless the entry fee is astronomical.
And trust me, it will be. We are talking about franchise fees likely hitting the $4 billion to $5 billion range per team.
The Frontrunners: It's Basically a Two-Horse Race
It isn't a secret. If you've been following the breadcrumbs, two cities are basically standing at the altar waiting for the ring.
Seattle: The Return of the Sonics
Seattle is the emotional favorite. Period. Ever since the SuperSonics were uprooted and moved to Oklahoma City in 2008, there’s been a gaping hole in the Pacific Northwest. The fans didn't leave; the team did.
Seattle has everything ready:
- Climate Pledge Arena: It’s already built, it’s world-class, and it’s hosting the NHL’s Kraken.
- The History: You can’t tell the story of the NBA without Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and those iconic green-and-gold threads.
- The Wealth: With Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks in the backyard, finding deep-pocketed owners isn't a problem.
Las Vegas: The New Sports Mecca
Ten years ago, the idea of a team in Vegas was a joke because of the gambling stigma. Now? It’s the obvious choice. The city already has the Raiders (NFL), the Golden Knights (NHL), and the Aces (WNBA).
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LeBron James has been incredibly vocal about wanting to own the Vegas team. Think about that for a second. Having one of the greatest players ever as the face of a new franchise in the entertainment capital of the world? That’s a marketing layup. The NBA already treats Vegas like a home base for the Summer League and the NBA Cup.
The Dark Horses and Global Curves
While Seattle and Vegas are the "locks," there are other names floating around. Mexico City is the one that makes people lean forward. The NBA wants global growth, and a team in Mexico City opens up a market of 22 million people. It's a logistical nightmare with the altitude and travel, but the "Capitanes" G-League team has been a successful test run.
Vancouver, Louisville, and Montreal also get mentioned, but they feel like long shots right now.
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Then there's the "NBA Europe" project. Silver has been meeting with FIBA and European soccer giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona. They aren't talking about a US team moving to London. They are talking about a whole new 16-team league in Europe that bears the NBA brand. That’s a separate beast from the domestic expansion, but it’s all happening at the same time.
What Happens Next?
Don't expect a team to suit up this October. That’s not how this works.
If the "determination" happens in late 2026, the league has to set up an expansion draft. They have to hire GMs, build practice facilities, and sell season tickets. Most experts, including reports from ESPN, suggest the new teams won't actually play their first game until the 2027-28 or 2028-29 season.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans:
- Watch the 2026 All-Star Break: This is usually when the league makes "unofficial" official announcements.
- Monitor LeBron’s Retirement: His move from player to owner is a huge "Vegas" indicator.
- Follow Arena News: Keep an eye on any "NBA-ready" renovations in cities like Kansas City or Vancouver; that's where the real smoke is.
The NBA is about to get bigger. It’s just a matter of who writes the biggest check first.