The NBA is finalizing its expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle, but what about Mexico City?
Adam Silver confirmed that the Association will undergo an expansion process. However, Mexico City is not among the first to be included.
The year 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark moment for the NBA. After two decades of internal debate, the league is finally preparing to make its first expansion move since 2004.
During All‑Star Weekend at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that the NBA has officially begun laying the groundwork for expansion. Two cities are already on the runway: Seattle and Las Vegas.
That means a potential return of a beloved classic — possibly even the nostalgic SuperSonics — and the debut of a franchise in America’s new sports capital, a city that has transformed from “Sin City” into a powerhouse hub for major leagues.
Mexico City, long considered a dark‑horse candidate, isn’t part of the immediate expansion plan.
Silver: “We’ll make a decision in 2026”
Silver didn’t mince words:“We’ll make a decision in 2026. Seattle and Las Vegas, in particular, have been very clear. We want to go through the negotiation process, finalize media‑rights agreements, and once that’s done, we’ll be ready to move forward.”
The commissioner added that the NBA’s Board of Governors could begin formal discussions as early as March, though the actual vote will come later.
He emphasized that expansion doesn’t necessarily have to involve two teams — or any specific number. The priority is choosing the right markets and then taking the proposal to potential ownership groups.
Capitanes: still in the long‑term picture
For now, Capitanes are not part of the first expansion wave. Seattle and Las Vegas are the clear priorities — something everyone in the league has known for years.
Seattle offers a proven market with strong financial backing, including the NHL’s Kraken. Las Vegas has exploded as a sports destination, now home to the NFL’s Raiders, the NHL’s Golden Knights, and soon the MLB’s Athletics.
But Mexico City is far from out of the conversation.
The city offers:
- A massive and passionate fanbase (Capitanes hold the G League attendance record)
- A time zone compatible with the NBA
- The appeal of expanding into a new international market
There are challenges too — travel, logistics, and fitting into the NBA’s competitive structure — but the long‑term goal remains intact. Both the NBA and Capitanes continue to work with the future in mind.
The bottom line
Seattle and Las Vegas are almost certain to headline the NBA’s next chapter. Mexico City is playing the long game — and the league is watching closely.
The official decision is coming in 2026. And once the NBA opens the door to expansion again, the landscape of the league could change in ways fans have been waiting for since the early 2000s.
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