NBA Rumors: An exciting expansion update reveals the debut of two new teams

It appears that NBA expansion is picking up steam with each passing day. The NBA has long since been rumored to be considering adding two teams, potentially in Las Vegas and Seattle, and a new report sheds light on when fans should expect the two new franchises to make their debut.

According to ESPN, the NBA hopes to have the two expansion teams ready to play their first games during the 2027–28 season, which is 4 years away. Although that may seem like a long time, that is actually a fairly accelerated timeline considering how long it takes to get a team off the ground.

There will be bids by ownership groups trying to acquire the rights to own an NBA team, as well as building out rosters and possibly even building a new arena to house a new franchise. The last time the NBA added a new team was in 2005, with the addition of the Charlotte Bobcats, who later became the Hornets; before that, it was back in 1989. That shows just how rarely expansion occurs in the NBA and could bring excitement and even more attention to the league.

NBA Rumors: Exciting expansion update reveals when to expect two new teams.

Las Vegas has increasingly become a desired market for teams, with the Raiders moving there in the NFL and the Athletics trying to do the same in MLB.

Creating a team from scratch in the NBA might be more of a risk, though thanks to Summer League and the in-season tournament, they shouldn't have any problem drumming up interest, nor should a team in Seattle, which was extremely popular during their first run.

There is still a lot that has to be figured out involving the two potential expansion teams, such as the nickname and rosters. Recently, Hoops Habit's Tyler Key took a look at potential team names for both Las Vegas and Seattle, though bringing back the Supersonics nickname seems likely.

As for the rosters, there would be as many as 30 new NBA roster spots as well as up to six two-way spots. Filing those would be done through an expansion draft, with each existing team being able to protect eight players on their roster.

All of the players that weren't protected from the draft would be eligible to be selected. Picking from low-end rotation players and unproven prospects doesn't often lead to immediate results so expansion teams often struggle. Nevertheless, both potential cities could be destinations given their markets.