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NBA gets OK to explore Las Vegas, Seattle expansion

Wed Mar 25 2:25pm ET
Field Level Media

The NBA Board of Governors gave the league approval to begin exploring bids for potential expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle on Wednesday.

The bidding process is expected to generate offers in the $7 billion to $10 billion range for each franchise, ESPN reported.

"Today's vote reflects our Board's interest in exploring potential expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle -- two markets with a long history of support for NBA basketball," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. "We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties."

A proposal to begin the expansion talks required a positive vote from at least 23 of the NBA's 30 team governors. The league did not break down the final voting numbers from the ongoing meetings in New York.


Formal vetting of potential buyers is typically a months-long process involving detailed financial forensics. The NBA has hired investment bank PJT Partners as a strategic adviser "to evaluate prospective markets, ownership groups, arena infrastructure, and the broader economic implications of expansion."

Previous reports said the new teams could be ready to begin play by the 2028-29 season.

Seattle was home to the NBA's SuperSonics from 1967-68 through 2007-08, winning a championship in 1979. The franchise relocated and became the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning a second title last season.

NBA events have been held for years in Las Vegas, including the annual Summer League, but no NBA franchise has ever anchored in Nevada. The WNBA's Las Vegas Aces have called the city home since 2018 and have won three of the last four championships.

The league last expanded in 2004, and a realignment might be necessary to accommodate two new teams. A current Western Conference team -- Minnesota, Memphis and New Orleans are logical solutions -- could be placed in the East to make the transition to 32 teams work.

Player Notes
Cedric Coward Wed Mar 25 9:30am

Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Cedric Coward (personal) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Wednesday's clash against the San Antonio Spurs. He has missed three games for personal reasons. With Ty Jerome (ankle) and Jaylen Wells (toe) exiting the lineup on Wednesday, Coward could take on one of the leading roles on offense, though this is an extremely difficult matchup for the Grizzlies. The Spurs have the third-best defensive rating in the league, with Victor Wembanyama protecting the paint. Coward managed only nine points on 3-for-14 shooting in his last meeting with San Antonio.

Jaylen Wells Wed Mar 25 9:20am

Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Jaylen Wells (toe) has been ruled out for Wednesday's meeting with the San Antonio Spurs. He injured his right big toe in Monday's blowout loss to Atlanta and won't be part of the Grizzlies' lineup for only the third time this season. Cedric Coward (personal) will return on Wednesday, helping to fill in for Wells. Some of his minutes could also go to Tyler Burton and DeJon Jarreau. Burton has recently jumped onto fantasy radars with two 20-point efforts in three games.

Brice Sensabaugh Wed Mar 25 9:10am

Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (rest) won't play on Wednesday against the Washington Wizards. The 22-year-old battled an illness last week but returned from a two-game absence on Monday against Toronto, finishing with 24 points. Sensabaugh has scored at least 20 points in six straight outings, averaging 21.4 points per game in March. However, he won't be unleashed against Washington's awful defense. John Konchar and Bez Mbeng could pick up extra work on Wednesday night, especially if Cody Williams (shoulder) also isn't in the lineup.

Ty Jerome Wed Mar 25 9:10am

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ty Jerome (ankle) won't suit up on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. Jerome has rarely played in back-to-back contests and won't be part of the lineup on Wednesday night after a 17-point, four-assist effort in Monday's loss to Atlanta. His absence will open up a spot in the starting lineup and provide more playing opportunities for the rest of the backcourt. Walter Clayton Jr., Cam Spencer, and Javon Small (back) are all candidates for increased playing time, though the latter carries a questionable tag on the injury report.

Kyle Filipowski Wed Mar 25 9:00am

Utah Jazz forward/center Kyle Filipowski (illness) is doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards. Centers have consistently dominated the Wizards, but Filipowski will likely miss this chance due to illness. His absence would open up playing time for Oscar Tshiebwe, Kevin Love, and Blake Hinson. Tshiebwe is the likeliest candidate to take over the starting center spot and has picked up momentum from Monday's loss to Toronto. In 28 minutes off the bench, Tshiebwe had a busy night, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks.

Jakob Poeltl Wed Mar 25 8:50am

Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. On Monday, he didn't play in the second leg of a back-to-back against Utah due to lower back injury management. It's an issue that has bothered Poeltl all season, but he's sat out only three games since returning from a seven-week absence in mid-February. Sandro Mamukelashvili started on Monday, and Collin Murray-Boyles was back in the lineup after missing 11 games due to a thumb injury. Mamukelashvili had a great game with 23 points and five steals, and the Raptors are likely to keep him in the first unit if Poeltl can't play on Wednesday night.

Immanuel Quickley Wed Mar 25 8:40am

Toronto Raptors point guard Immanuel Quickley (foot) is considered questionable for Wednesday's contest against the Los Angeles Clippers. The team has him listed on the injury report with right foot plantar fasciitis. Quickley's absence on Wednesday could give Jamal Shead a second consecutive start. In a starting role, Shead has played well all season and delivered a career-high 15 assists in Monday's 143-127 win over Utah. He will face a much tougher opponent on Wednesday night, but Shead should see plenty of time on the floor if Quickley is out.

Nikola Jokic Wed Mar 25 3:00am

Denver Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 17 assists and 17 rebounds in a 125-123 win over Phoenix on Tuesday, Mar. 24.

Donovan Mitchell Wed Mar 25 3:00am

Cleveland's G Donovan Mitchell scored 42 points on 14-of-22 shooting in a 136-131 win over the Magic on Tuesday, Mar. 24.

Brandon Clarke Tue Mar 24 11:00pm

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Brandon Clarke (calf) won't return to action this season, the team announced. The 29-year-old suffered a right calf strain in December and will finish the season with only two appearances. Clarke was unavailable before December due to offseason knee surgery. Memphis expects Clarke to make a full recovery ahead of the 2026-27 season. With Zach Edey (ankle, elbow) also out for the rest of the campaign, GG Jackson II, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and Taylor Hendricks will get plenty of work in the frontcourt.

Ja Morant Tue Mar 24 10:50pm

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (elbow) will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season, the team announced. The star guard has been on the shelf since late January with a left elbow injury. According to the Grizzlies, Morant is making progress in his recovery from a UCL sprain and recently received a platelet-rich plasma injection. He is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2026-27 season. Morant had another injury-plagued season, making only 20 appearances. He averaged 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in 28.5 minutes per game. Walter Clayton Jr., Cam Spencer, and Javon Small (back) have all been thrust into bigger roles as a result of Morant's absence.

Grayson Allen Tue Mar 24 10:40pm

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen (knee) will return to the lineup on Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets, Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic reports. He has sat out four games to manage a left knee injury. The team initially listed Alles as questionable for Tuesday's action. Despite battling a knee injury, Allen has had a great year in Phoenix, posting career highs of 17.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He's averaging 9.3 three-point attempts and should get plenty of looks from downtown on Tuesday night against the Nuggets, who allow the eighth-most three-point attempts in the league.

Royce O'Neale Tue Mar 24 10:40pm

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale (knee) will play on Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets, Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic reports. He has recently dealt with left knee soreness, missing three games. However, Phoenix listed O'Neale as probable on the initial injury report, and he has officially received the green light to play. O'Neale has been a regular starter throughout the campaign for the Suns, averaging 9.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals. Phoenix will also have Grayson Allen (knee) back in the lineup on Tuesday night, so Jordan Goodwin will be less involved in the action. He will drop to the bench after filling in for O'Neale in the starting unit.

Brandon Ingram Tue Mar 24 10:30pm

Toronto Raptors guard/forward Brandon Ingram (heel) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's tilt against the Los Angeles Clippers. He was a late scratch on Monday night against Utah due to right heel inflammation and may remain sidelined for another game. Ja'Kobe Walter performed well in Monday's game as Ingram's replacement in the first unit and will likely keep his starting spot against the Clippers if Ingram isn't healthy enough to return. In a high-scoring game, Walter had 21 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 28 minutes.

Ryan Dunn Tue Mar 24 10:20pm

Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (groin) will miss Tuesday's clash against the Denver Nuggets. He was listed late on the injury report with a questionable tag and has now officially been ruled out. The 23-year-old sophomore is bothered by right groin soreness. Phoenix looks poised to get O'Neale (knee) back on Tuesday night, and his presence in the rotation should help fill the void left by Dunn. With Dunn out, Rasheer Fleming could also carve out a bigger role off the bench.

Paul George Tue Mar 24 10:10pm

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Pau George (suspension) will return to action on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls. He has finished his 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy, and the team hasn't listed George on the injury report. 76ers head coach Nick Nurse mentioned earlier this week that George won't need a ramp-up period, so fantasy managers can expect him to play his usual minutes against Chicago. The nine-time All-Star has averaged 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals in 30.5 minutes per game this season.

Jordan Miller Tue Mar 24 9:30pm

Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Jordan Miller (back) is listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Miller has been healthy throughout most of the season, but appears to have picked up a back injury during Monday's contest. The second-year guard has been playing a bigger role for the Clippers this season. He's averaging 9.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 21.6 minutes per game this season. Fellow forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) carries a questionable tag into Wednesday's contest as well. Bennedict Mathurin, John Collins, and Kobe Sanders could be asked to play bigger roles if both players are unable to suit up. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update ahead of Wednesday's tip-off.

John Collins Tue Mar 24 9:30pm

Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins (ankle) is available to play ahead of Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Collins is back in action following a one-game absence due to a left ankle sprain. He should move back into the starting five which should push Nicolas Batum to the second unit. Collins should be rostered and started in most fantasy formats. He's averaging 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 27.5 minutes per game. Fellow forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game, so Collins could be asked to take on a larger role offensively if Leonard sits out.

Bennedict Mathurin Tue Mar 24 9:20pm

Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin (toe) has been cleared to play ahead of Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Mathurin is ready to return after missing four straight games due to a right toe injury. There is no word on a minutes limit, but it wouldn't be shocking to see the Clippers somewhat monitor his playing time during his first game back. Mathurin has been playing extremely well in March. Over the last 10 games, Mathurin is averaging 19.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. For fantasy managers still playing, Mathurin is a solid fantasy option down the stretch of the season. Fantasy managers in season-long formats should get him active ahead of Wednesday's tip-off.

Kyle Kuzma Tue Mar 24 9:10pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (Achilles) is listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Kuzma missed Monday's contest due to an Achilles issue and could be headed towards a second straight absence. Jericho Sims moved into the starting five, but didn't offer much on the stat sheet. Sims finished with four points and three rebounds across 19 minutes on Monday. The 27-year-old could draw another start on Wednesday, but doesn't offer enough upside to warrant streaming. Fantasy managers should check back ahead of tip-off for another update on Kuzma.


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