Are Seattle and Las Vegas the new NBA teams? Speculations rife after league decides to add two new franchises
With the NBA in dire need of more revenue after Covid-19 wreaked havoc, there are reports of the league looking at potentially adding two new teams that would offer a lot of relief, and by the looks of it, Las Vegas and Seattle look to be prime frontrunners.
With no fans in arenas, the profits took a tumble, and even though there is no price tag the league has accurately offered, ESPN's Brian Windhorst says the NBA has been considering an expansion fee of 2.5 billion apiece for two new teams, "with multiple offers expected from Las Vegas and Seattle-based groups." This would mean the price floated would be the highest sale price. CBS Sports reckons that these fees tend to be inflated.
The Internet had its share of opinions as well although many felt it was either of these two cities that would end up with new teams. "We already know Seattle and Vegas, Send Memphis and NO to the eastern conference," read one of the tweets.
We already know
— Michael J (@Opinionated_MJ) January 5, 2021
Seattle and Vegas
Send Memphis and NO to the eastern conference
Some felt Kansas City would be a solid team to have. "Look at that giant gap in the middle of the country. Kansas City would absolutely support a team. 35 years ago, no. Now? Yes. We sell out every single MLS game in this town, for God’s sake," read a comment.
Look at that giant gap in the middle of the country. Kansas City would absolutely support a team. 35 years ago, no. Now? Yes. We sell out every single MLS game in this town, for God’s sake.
— Josh Chavis (@JoshChavis65) January 6, 2021
One fan explained why Las Vegas needed a team: "My hometown of Las Vegas should get a team. The Golden Knights have been a huge success in the NHL, and the NFL's Raiders are here, too. It makes so much sense to have an NBA team here, especially since the NBA Summer League has been so successful here." Another wrote, "Seattle for sure. Tampa maybe? See how this goes for the Raptors. Seems like between Kansas City and St Louis one of them should have a team."
My hometown of Las Vegas should get a team. The Golden Knights have been a huge success in the NHL, and the NFL's Raiders are here, too. It makes so much sense to have an NBA team here, especially since the NBA Summer League has been so successful here.
— Brett Salapa (@BrettSalapa) January 6, 2021
Seattle for sure. Tampa maybe? See how this goes for the Raptors. Seems like between Kansas City and St. Louis one of them should have a team.
— Aethelred the Unready (@ethelredunread) January 5, 2021
However, there was also this question by Twitterati if adding new teams was a solution. "Can someone explain to me how adding two more teams help deal with financial losses? The financial loss is due to fans not being able to attend games so a major revenue stream is not available. Adding two more teams and more games without fans only increases the financial loss."
Can someone explain to me how adding two more teams help deal with financial losses?
— Da_Lucky_One (@DaLuckyOne3) January 5, 2021
The financial loss is due to fans not being able to attend games so a major revenue stream is not available.
Adding two more teams and more games without fans only increases the financial loss.
A fan felt the Clippers could be renamed. "Rebrand clippers in Seattle and add teams in Vegas and Louisville. I’m down for that," he shared.
Rebrand clippers in Seattle and add teams in Vegas and Louisville. I’m down for that
— milds and Hen dawg (@hennyhouston) January 6, 2021
Technically, the expansion fees are split evenly among the 30 teams that exist currently and the players do not get a cut out of this. Ideally, if the league adds two new franchises, this would still dilute revenue in the long term, according to CBS Sports' Sam Quinn. However, with the Covid-19 impact, this could be worth the risk. What are your thoughts on Seattle and Vegas getting new teams?
