 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (April 2017) |
The National Basketball Association has undergone several rounds of expansion in the league's history, since it began play in 1946, to reach 30 teams. The most recent examples are the additions of the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat in 1988; the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic in 1989; the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995 (who relocated to Memphis in 2001); and the Charlotte Bobcats in 2004.[1] In September 2024, Commissioner Adam Silver stated that the NBA would have discussions about a potential expansion of the league sometime during the 2024–25 season though not during the league's 2024 fall meetings, with an ESPN article stating that a number of factors including the potential sale of the Boston Celtics has led the league to go slower with the expansion process. In addition, the article stated that the potential expansion teams may begin play in the 2027–28 season should one occur.[2]
Silver stated in a February 2024 interview on The Pat McAfee Show that Las Vegas was an expansion team candidate.[3] Seattle is also considered a top expansion candidate should an expansion occur, with Mexico City, Montreal, and Vancouver also being less likely expansion options.[4]
| Progression of NBA expansion | |
|---|---|
| Years | No. of teams |
| 1946–1947 | 11 |
| 1947–1948 | 8 |
| 1948–1949 | 12 |
| 1949–1950 | 17 |
| 1950–1951 | 11 |
| 1951–1953 | 10 |
| 1953–1955 | 9 |
| 1955–1961 | 8 |
| 1961–1966 | 9 |
| 1966–1967 | 10 |
| 1967–1968 | 12 |
| 1968–1970 | 14 |
| 1970–1974 | 17 |
| 1974–1976 | 18 |
| 1976–1980 | 22 |
| 1980–1988 | 23 |
| 1988–1989 | 25 |
| 1989–1995 | 27 |
| 1995–2004 | 29 |
| 2004–present | 30 |
- ^ Fischer-Baum, Reuben; Silver, Nate (May 21, 2015). "The Complete History Of The NBA". FiveThirtyEight. Archived from the original on April 1, 2017. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
- ^ "How Seattle, Las Vegas and LeBron fit into the NBA's expansion future". ESPN.com. 2024-09-17. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
- ^ "NBA commissioner Adam Silver says Las Vegas 'definitely on our list' of expansion cities". Yahoo Sports. 2024-02-14. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
- ^ Vorkunov, Mike; Andrejev, Alex. "NBA to turn to 'consideration of expansion' after media rights deal done". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-07-17.