Las Vegas Expansion Race Down to Three Ownership Groups
The NBA is close to selecting an ownership group for a Las Vegas expansion franchise, with three finalists under consideration. The winning package, including a new arena, could cost at least $12–13 billion. League governors voted in March to study adding teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, and a formal approval step is expected before the end of 2026.
League governors agreed in March to examine expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle, and a formal approval stage is anticipated before 2026 ends. Las Vegas is being handled first because it drew more bidders and lacks a venue ready for NBA use; Seattle already has Climate Pledge Arena.
The finalists include Nancy Walton Laurie and Bill Laurie, Steve Apostolopoulos with Marc Lasry, and Bill Foley with Jerry Colangelo. T-Mobile Arena might serve temporarily but needs upgrades. Losing bidders could pursue Seattle, where Samantha Holloway is seen as a leading candidate.
The addition of NBA teams in Las Vegas and Seattle could reshape local sports markets, affecting fans, arena workers, hospitality businesses, and nearby residents. New franchises may generate jobs, tourism, and civic attention, while also raising questions about traffic, housing demand, and public infrastructure. Existing teams and leagues could face more competition for attention and events. How benefits and costs are distributed may depend on arena financing, community agreements, and league decisions.