NBA Expansion Bids for Las Vegas and Seattle Could Top $9 Billion

The NBA has reportedly asked interested groups for a Las Vegas expansion team to submit more detailed portfolios ahead of a September bidding deadline. The league expects bids in the $7-10 billion range, with some insiders floating $9 billion for Vegas and a lower figure for Seattle. Nancy Walton Laurie and Bill Foley are among the leading candidates to own the Las Vegas franchise.

The expansion process is unfolding in stages, with the league requesting more detailed financial portfolios from Vegas bidders ahead of a September deadline. A board of governors meeting is also scheduled for that month, though no expansion decision is expected there. Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated a decision should come by the end of 2026.

The $9 billion figure for Vegas would trail only the Lakers' recent $12.5 billion sale among NBA franchise valuations. Currently, only the Lakers, Warriors, and Knicks are valued above that mark. Seattle's bid is expected to be lower, with Kraken owner Samantha Holloway the only publicly known contender for that market.