NBA Rumors: Adam Silver's Team Expansion Plans Could Put Seattle SuperSonics’ Potential Resurrection in Jeopardy

For years, NBA fans in the Seattle area have pleaded for their SuperSonics team to be brought back. While rumors have been swirling about the possibility of the Sonics' return, one analyst thinks that another city will get an NBA franchise at Seattle's expense.

In an episode of his self-titled podcast last week, Bill Simmons discussed the speculation surrounding the NBA's expansion under the leadership of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Simmons hinted, though, that it won't be the city of Seattle celebrating when all is said and done.

"There is some Vegas buzz building again," Simmons said. "I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that the league adds one more team, not two, and that they have 31 teams, and they jump on this Vegas market while there's a real opportunity and real money behind it."

Evan Sidery

@esidery

There is buzz around Las Vegas receiving an expansion team, per @BillSimmons (https://t.co/yRCa4PZjRe): “I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that the league adds one more team, not two, and that they have 31 teams.” A big blow for Seattle getting back the Sonics.

Simmons went on to share his projected price for putting up a franchise in Las Vegas.

"And the price would have to be, my guess, what I've been told, is somewhere between $7 and $8 billion," he added. "At least $7, because that's basically what the Celtics got...So let's say it's $7.5 billion for a new Vegas team."

Given the city's glitz and glamour as the "Entertainment Capital of the World," it's not hard to see why the NBA would have a keen interest in establishing a Las Vegas-based team. Eight years ago, the WNBA achieved this feat when the San Antonio Stars were sold to MGM Resorts, paving the way for the creation of the Las Vegas Aces.

If Simmons' speculations are accurate, it would be yet another emotional blow to fans of the SuperSonics franchise, which was sold to an Oklahoma City-based group of investors in 2006.

NBA's European league gets target date for launch, releases wish list of team cities

Earlier this month, Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported some interesting details about another expansion venture by the NBA.

According to Vardon, the league is looking to launch its own European league in October 2027. Moreover, the NBA is eyeing a number of major European cities to host teams.

"Its list of preferred team cities in the new venture include London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Munich, Barcelona, Madrid, Athens, and Istanbul," Vardon reported.

Legion Hoops

@LegionHoops

The NBA is targeting an October 2027 launch for its new European League, per @joevardon: “Its list of preferred team cities in the new venture include London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Munich, Barcelona, Madrid, Athens, and Istanbul…"

Reportedly, the NBA's European league will consist of 16 teams, which would eventually play against NBA teams in some form of tournament.