The National Basketball Association (NBA) has been expanding rapidly in recent years, with new teams being added to the league every few years. With this growth, many cities have been vying for the opportunity to have their own NBA team. Here are 20 cities that deserve an NBA expansion team.
1. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a city with a rich basketball history, having been home to the SuperSonics from 1967 to 2008. The team was relocated to Oklahoma City and renamed the Thunder, leaving Seattle without an NBA team. With a passionate fan base and a new arena in the works, Seattle is a top contender for an NBA expansion team.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas has become a major sports destination, with the success of the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL and the Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL. Adding an NBA team to the mix would only enhance the city’s sports culture and bring in even more revenue.
3. Vancouver, British Columbia
Similar to Seattle, Vancouver lost their NBA team, the Grizzlies, in 2001. The city has a strong basketball community and a new arena in place, making it a prime location for an NBA expansion team.
4. Mexico City, Mexico
The NBA has been expanding its reach globally, and Mexico City has shown great interest in hosting an NBA team. With a large population and a growing interest in basketball, Mexico City could be a successful market for the league.
5. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville has a strong basketball culture, with the University of Louisville’s successful men’s and women’s teams. The city also has a new arena and a passionate fan base, making it a potential location for an NBA expansion team.
6. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is a sports town, with successful teams in the NFL, NHL, and MLB. Adding an NBA team to the mix would only enhance the city’s sports culture and bring in more revenue.
7. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City has a strong basketball history, with the Kansas City Kings playing in the city from 1972 to 1985. The city also has a new arena and a passionate fan base, making it a potential location for an NBA expansion team.
8. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is another city with a strong basketball history, having been home to the St. Louis Hawks from 1955 to 1968. The city also has a new arena and a passionate fan base, making it a potential location for an NBA expansion team.
9. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati has a strong sports culture, with successful teams in the NFL, MLB, and MLS. Adding an NBA team to the mix would only enhance the city’s sports culture and bring in more revenue.
10. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore has a rich basketball history, with the Baltimore Bullets playing in the city from 1963 to 1973. The city also has a new arena and a passionate fan base, making it a potential location for an NBA expansion team.
11. Montreal, Quebec
Montreal has a strong sports culture, with successful teams in the NHL and MLS. Adding an NBA team to the mix would only enhance the city’s sports culture and bring in more revenue.
12. San Diego, California
San Diego has a large population and a strong interest in basketball, making it a potential location for an NBA expansion team. The city also has a new arena in the works, which could be a major draw for the league.
13. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville has a growing sports culture, with successful teams in the NFL and NHL. Adding an NBA team to the mix would only enhance the city’s sports culture and bring in more revenue.
14. Austin, Texas
Austin is a rapidly growing city with a large population and a strong interest in basketball. The city also has a new arena in the works, making it a potential location for an NBA expansion team.
15. San Juan, Puerto Rico
The NBA has been expanding its reach globally, and San Juan has shown interest in hosting an NBA team. With a large population and a strong interest in basketball, San Juan could be a successful market for the league.
16. Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver, Washington is located just across the river from Portland, Oregon, which is home to the Trail Blazers. With a growing population and a strong interest in basketball, Vancouver could be a potential
