Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas has transformed into a sports haven. The city’s strategic location and bustling tourism provide unparalleled opportunities for fan engagement.
- The recently built T-Mobile Arena offers state-of-the-art facilities with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000.
- Las Vegas hosts millions of tourists annually, ensuring a consistent influx of supporters.
- Local economy thrives with a GDP of over $150 billion, providing strong financial support for a new team.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s sports history runs deep, and the absence of an NBA team since the SuperSonics left in 2008 has left a void in the city.
- Climate Pledge Arena stands ready, capable of accommodating over 17,000 basketball fans.
- Seattle boasts a metropolitan population of approximately 4 million, ensuring a robust local fan base.
- Economic prosperity is evident with the presence of tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, making it a financially viable city for team expansion.
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville’s passion for basketball is well-known, primarily due to its strong college basketball culture.
- KFC Yum! Center can host around 22,000 spectators and serves as a potential home arena.
- Louisville’s local support is evident from the success of the University of Louisville’s basketball program.
- Economic stability with a GDP of $93 billion ensures sustained financial backing.
San Diego, California
San Diego offers an untapped market in Southern California. The city holds immense potential for an NBA franchise.
- Pechanga Arena, with a seating capacity of over 14,000, could serve as the home court.
- San Diego’s metropolitan area population exceeds 3 million, presenting a substantial audience.
- The city’s economy, powered by tourism, defense, and manufacturing, shows robust financial health with a GDP of $253 billion.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis has a rich sports culture, boasting fervent support for its MLB and NHL teams.
- The Enterprise Center, seating about 18,400, can accommodate an NBA team.
- St. Louis’s metropolitan area population of nearly 3 million promises a strong fan base.
- Significant economic activities with a GDP of $151 billion support a sustainable financial model for an NBA team.
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal, being one of the largest cities in North America without an NBA team, represents a significant growth opportunity.
- The Bell Centre, with a capacity of over 21,000, is one of the larger arenas in the league.
- A population of over 4 million in the metropolitan area provides a robust local fan base.
- Montreal’s GDP of $181 billion signifies strong economic support potential.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver’s previous NBA team, the Grizzlies, had an impactful but short-lived tenure. The city remains an attractive market.
- Rogers Arena, with a capacity of around 19,000, could welcome the return of NBA action.
- The metropolitan population stands at 2.4 million, offering a considerable fan base.
- Strong economy with a GDP of around $135 billion supports long-term financial stability.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City enjoys a thriving sports culture and a growing population, making it an excellent candidate for NBA expansion.
- The T-Mobile Center can seat roughly 19,000 spectators for basketball games.
- Kansas City’s metro population of approximately 2 million presents a viable fan base.
- Economic activities with a GDP of $132 billion provide a steady financial foundation.
Tampa, Florida
Tampa recently gained prominence by hosting the Toronto Raptors temporarily, showcasing its potential as an NBA city.
- Amalie Arena can host around 20,500 fans for basketball games.
- The area’s rapidly growing metropolitan population of over 3 million ensures a substantial audience.
- Tampa’s economy, powered by finance, healthcare, and shipping, supports a solid financial framework with a GDP of $169 billion.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, known for its rich sports culture and strong fan loyalty, presents a compelling case for NBA consideration.
- PPG Paints Arena, with a seating capacity of about 19,000, provides the necessary infrastructure.
- The metro area’s population of over 2.3 million offers a solid fan base.
- Economic resilience with a GDP of $145 billion ensures financial support for a new franchise.