5 Awesome Las Vegas expansion team names, 7 that would disappoint

The best 5 Vegas expansion team names possible

5. Las Vegas Spades – Similar to the Jokers team name idea, “Spades” in the context of Vegas would be perfect. The reason this works better than the “Jokers” name is that the meaning behind the name stands strong and there is no superstar NBA player who goes by Spade or a similar nickname. Spades originate from the 1930s card game and would be revitalized well in Las Vegas. The one potential downside is that a mascot that connects well with the team name may be difficult, but crazy mascots don’t always have to be closely associated with the team name.

4. Las Vegas Lions – This is a more standard team name across the United States, however outside of the Detroit Lions, there are very few professional teams who carry the name. It has the catchy alliteration of the double L and “Las Vegas Lions” would be a fun spin on the MGM Grand Lions too. From 1999-2011, the MGM Grand had a popular attraction in its lion habitat. While the habitat is no longer in Vegas, the lion is still the hotel’s logo and the lion statue outside still stands tall. Branding would be very easy with a lion logo and mascot, especially if MGM wants to get involved.

3. Las Vegas Scorpions – Sticking with another animal team name, the Scorpions would be a unique option that is rare as well as relevant. No major sports teams in any sport have “Scorpions” as their name or mascot. At the same time, the Las Vegas Valley is home to 25 different scorpion species alone.  The most common ones to the Las Vegas Valley are The Hadrurus Arisonesis, The Wind Scorpion, The Bark Scorpion, and The Emperor Scorpion. If Vegas wants to have something not related to the strip in any way, this would be a great option and the Charlotte Hornets would automatically become the inferior bug team in the league.

2. Las Vegas Invaders – Let’s get kooky. Nevada is famously known for Area 51 and there has been a plethora of UFO sightings across the state, including the Vegas area. The “Las Vegas Invaders” would be marketable, whimsical, fun, and cool if marketed correctly with a good color scheme and logo. This team name also provides the most creativity for slogans, mascots, and most of all, conspiracies. Is this likely to happen? Probably not. Would everyone love it? Definitely.

1. Las Vegas Vultures – Now this is the diamond in the rough of all of the team names that have been rumored. It has the recognizable animal, the alliteration to go with Vegas, and the relatability and context to Nevada and the Las Vegas area. Vegas is home to Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures and it is already so easy to picture a dopey looking Vulture mascot, similar to Buzzy, Dizzy, Flaps, or Ziggy from the Jungle Book. It is also one of the more unique birds that sports teams do not make use of. The Vegas Vultures would instantly be the coolest bird team in the NBA, passing the Atlanta Hawks and the New Orleans Pelicans instantly.

Which of these five team names would fit the Las Vegas expansion team the best?