$7 Billion! LeBron James Set to Join the NBA Expansion: Two New Teams in the U.S.

The NBA is gearing up for a significant expansion that could reshape the landscape of the league. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently announced that once a new broadcasting deal is secured, the league will begin negotiations for expansion, starting as early as this fall. This move could see the NBA grow from 30 to 32 teams in the coming years, with new franchises likely to be established in Seattle and Las Vegas.

The Return of Seattle's SuperSonics

Seattle, a city with a rich basketball history, is poised to reclaim its spot in the NBA. The city was previously home to the SuperSonics, a team that boasted stars like Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and a young Kevin Durant. Durant’s rookie season was with the SuperSonics before the team relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder in 2008. Durant has remained vocal about his desire to see Seattle rejoin the NBA and has expressed his willingness to support the new team in any capacity.

In 2018, Durant returned to Seattle with the Golden State Warriors for a preseason game against the Sacramento Kings. Wearing a Shawn Kemp jersey, Durant was warmly received by the Seattle fans, highlighting the city's enduring passion for the sport. With Durant still performing at an elite level, the possibility of him playing for a revived SuperSonics team adds an exciting dimension to the expansion narrative. Although Durant is approaching 36, his physical condition and skill level suggest he could continue playing at a high level until 40.

Las Vegas: The Crown Jewel of Expansion

While Seattle's return is driven by sentimental reasons, Las Vegas represents a lucrative opportunity for the NBA. The city is renowned globally as a premier entertainment destination, making it an attractive market for sports franchises. LeBron James has openly expressed his ambition to own an NBA team based in Las Vegas. However, the competition for ownership is expected to be fierce, with many prominent figures vying for a stake.

According to Bloomberg, the bidding war for the new Las Vegas NBA team is projected to be one of the most expensive transactions in sports history. Industry experts estimate that the total cost, including the construction of a new arena, could reach as high as $7 billion. To put this in perspective, the Phoenix Suns set the current record for the highest sale price of an NBA team at $4 billion in 2022. In the broader sports context, the Washington Commanders of the NFL were sold for $6.05 billion in 2023.

LeBron James, who has earned approximately $580 million in salary over his 20-year NBA career, is the first player in league history to surpass $500 million in career earnings. Despite his substantial wealth, purchasing the Las Vegas team outright would be a monumental financial undertaking, likely requiring a consortium of investors. James would probably participate as a part-owner, similar to how his close friend Dwyane Wade acquired a minority stake in the Utah Jazz.

The Rising Value of NBA Franchises

The value of NBA franchises has skyrocketed in recent years, making ownership an increasingly attractive proposition. Michael Jordan, the only former player to own a majority stake in an NBA team, bought the Charlotte Hornets for under $280 million, securing over 90% ownership. Jordan recently sold his stake, with the team valued at approximately $3 billion, underscoring the dramatic increase in franchise valuations.

This surge in value is driving more individuals and investment groups to pursue ownership of NBA teams. The Las Vegas expansion team, in particular, represents a prime opportunity for prospective owners. The city's vibrant entertainment scene and substantial tourism industry provide a strong foundation for a successful franchise.

Kevin Durant's Vision for Seattle

Unlike the frenzy surrounding the Las Vegas expansion, Kevin Durant's interest lies solely in Seattle. Durant's connection to the city and its basketball legacy is deeply personal. He has consistently advocated for the return of the SuperSonics and has expressed a desire to be involved in the new team's ownership. For Durant, this is about more than business; it's about honoring the roots of his career and giving back to the community that first embraced him as a rookie.

The prospect of Durant leading the new Seattle team as an owner-player, even in a limited capacity, would be a compelling storyline. His involvement could galvanize the fan base and bring a sense of continuity and nostalgia to the reestablished franchise.

The Impact of Expansion on the NBA

The addition of two new teams will have significant implications for the NBA. An expanded league will lead to a restructured schedule and potentially new divisions, impacting travel, team strategies, and player workloads. The influx of new players through an expansion draft will also alter the competitive balance, providing opportunities for emerging talents to shine.

Moreover, the expansion will enhance the NBA's market presence and revenue streams. The inclusion of Seattle and Las Vegas, two vibrant and commercially significant cities, will boost the league's overall profile and attract new sponsors and partners.

Conclusion

The NBA's planned expansion to include new teams in Seattle and Las Vegas marks an exciting chapter in the league's history. With legendary figures like LeBron James and Kevin Durant potentially involved, the narrative surrounding this expansion is filled with anticipation and intrigue. As the process unfolds, fans can look forward to a rejuvenated league that embraces both its storied past and a dynamic future. The return of the SuperSonics and the birth of a Las Vegas franchise will undoubtedly reshape the Western Conference and provide thrilling new storylines for years to come.