NBA Nearing Final Decision: Las Vegas Set for $13 Billion Expansion Franchise!

Three bidding groups have emerged as finalists in the race, according to ESPN.

The first group is led by Nancy Walton Laurie, daughter of Walmart co-founder James Walton, and her husband Bill Laurie, the former owner of the St. Louis Blues.

The second consists of Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry, while the third is spearheaded by Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley and former Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo.

The league is expected to conduct a formal approval process for two expansion franchises by the end of December, with Las Vegas currently holding an advantage over Seattle for several reasons.

Las Vegas features a more dynamic bidding market with higher figures, and the process involves the logistics of building a brand-new arena—unlike Seattle, where Climate Pledge Arena is already fully equipped to host an NBA team. Furthermore, unsuccessful bidders for the Las Vegas franchise could pivot and join the bidding process for Seattle.

Sources indicate that the NBA plans for the expansion teams to debut in the league no earlier than the 2028-29 season.

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