Top 4 Potential Cities the NBA Could Expand to in the United States.

In every business one of the main goals is to expand their product in the marketplace. The Sports industry is one of these industries that have looked towards expansion and a clear example is the NHL with their league expanding to 32 teams adding the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken. I think that once the Covid-19 pandemic is completely controlled I can see the NBA expand there league with more teams. I thought to myself where would the top locations in the United States the NBA could expand to and while there are plenty of Options I feel that there are 4 cities that are on the top of the list.

4. Kansas City, Missouri

Many have projected Kansas City potentially having an expansion team for many years. Especially as there is history with basketball in Kansas City as the Sacramento Kings were originally in Kansas City before they relocated in 1985. Heck the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame is even located in Kansas City so the passionate fanbase is there. Plus there is money to be made looking at the popularity of the NCAA’s Kansas Jayhawks. I would not completely rule out the possibility of the NBA expanding with a team in Kansas City in the future.

3. Tampa Bay, Florida

Even though the NBA already has two franchises in the state of Florida with the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic I can see the NBA decide to put an expansion team in Tampa Bay. Heck the NBA decided to test the Tampa Bay market when the city of Tampa was the home for the Toronto Raptors games during the 2020-2021 season as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact I did a little research and found out that the last time a team had to play a season in a different city was the New Orlean Hornets as a result of Hurricane Katrina they actually played a full season in Oklahoma City during the 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 NBA Seasons. It is quite a coincidence that not even a few years later that the Seattle Supersonics would relocate their team in Oklahoma City a few seasons later. So they have experienced the Tampa Bay market full a full season which is a benefit in the planning process. The NBA Could also capitalize if the MLB Tampa Bay Rays decide to fully relocate and gain an opportunity to attract more fans in the Tampa Bay market to watch NBA Games.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada is the hot spot of many sports leagues expanding into there market. The NFL did it when the Raiders relocated from Oakland, The NHL did it by expanding with the Vegas Golden Knights, The Oakland Athletics have discussed a possible relocation to Las Vegas, and even the WNBA relocated the Aces from San Antonio. Las Vegas is a growing city with the addition of sports teams and in tourism. The NBA has had interest in getting involved in the market. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver even admitted that the NBA has considered expanding in the Las Vegas market. I would not be shocked if the 31st NBA team will be expanded to Las Vegas in the next 3-10 years.

1. Seattle, Washington

No question with this one as should be on the Top of the list for expansion. Especially as the NBA should of never moved the Supersonics out of Seattle to Oklahoma City. One thing is for sure and that is in the city of Seattle there are a ton of passionate fans of basketball. Plus the Market has grown there with not only the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and MLB’s Seattle Mariners, but the NHL’s decided to expand in the city of Seattle with the addition of the Kraken. The former facility that was utilized by the Supersonics was also recently renovated and is where the Kraken play. So the NBA could save money when building an area for the new expansion team. I would not be shocked at all if the NBA decides to put an expansion team in the NBA in possibly the next 5-10 years.