It's happening! The NBA is adding two teams, why Seattle and Las Vegas?

Since Adam Silver took over the NBA, there have been frequent rumors about league expansion, but as this is a major league matter, progress hasn't been simple.

However, the NBA Board of Directors has now unanimously passed the expansion resolution, marking the official launch of the plan to expand to 32 teams.

Multiple senior officials have stated that expansion is a matter of "timing," not a question of "whether to expand."

Over the next few months, the NBA will evaluate the bidding proposals from Seattle and Las Vegas and decide whether to establish the new teams now or in a few years.

Today, Brother Di will discuss this matter in simple, easy-to-understand language.

1. Why is the NBA expanding?

Owners can make huge profits, the league can expand its influence, and fans can watch more games.

The core driving force is undoubtedly massive commercial benefits.

2. Why Seattle and Las Vegas?

This is not a simple choice; it involves considering historical sentiment, market potential, infrastructure conditions, commercial value, geographic distribution...

Seattle once had the SuperSonics.

It produced stars like Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, Ray Allen, Kevin Durant, and won the championship in 1979, possessing a rich basketball culture heritage.

The team's relocation to Oklahoma City in 2008 and renaming to the Thunder was a deeply regrettable event in NBA history. The fan base here is solid and highly loyal. Meanwhile, the Thunder have agreed that the new team can reuse the SuperSonics' name, logo, colors, and historical data, enabling a sentimental return.

If in the future Durant and Jeff Green could retire here...

Additionally, venue facilities are readily available, and Seattle's location in the northwest helps fill the team gap in the American Northwest region, making Western Conference team distribution more balanced.

As for Las Vegas, that's easier to understand.

It's the host city for the NBA Summer League, the finals venue for the NBA Cup...

The gambling city not only has many tourists, but local sports betting is legalized, which can help the league achieve diversified revenue streams through data monetization, advertising partnerships, and interactive viewing experiences.

3. Why is the bidding amount $70-100 billion so high?

Simply, it's the franchise fee.

Otherwise, why would the other 30 team owners agree to let you share the pie?

Although it seems enormous, there are plenty of consortiums willing to pay this sum.

4. How will the new teams' players be sourced?

This is a topic many brothers are interested in but puzzled about.

Take the soon-to-be-formed SuperSonics as an example; player composition generally comes from three aspects:

First, the expansion draft is the core method for the new team to acquire players.

Each of the NBA's 30 teams will protect 8 core players but must expose at least 1 player for the SuperSonics to choose.

For example, if the Lakers choose to protect James, Doncic, Reaves, Smart, Vanderbilt, Hayes, Hachimura, and Ayton, then the SuperSonics could select Bronny. (Each team can only have one player selected.)

If Bronny has a contract, it will be inherited directly; if not, the new team will negotiate a new one with him.

Second, the draft.

The league will provide draft benefits for the new team.

Finally, free agent signings.

After the expansion draft and rookie draft, they can sign veterans and fringe players to fill the rotation, while trading players from the expansion draft they don't need, ultimately forming the new team.

Old fans will remember when the Charlotte Bobcats entered the league in 2004; through the expansion draft, they acquired later "Cat King" Gerald Wallace and the familiar Zaza Pachulia.

Through the rookie draft, they got Emeka Okafor.

5. League division realignment

This point is also noteworthy.

Whether Seattle or Las Vegas, geographically, they belong to the Western Conference.

So, to have 16 teams each in the East and West, one team must be moved to the Eastern Conference for balance.

Which team would that be?

The most likely candidate to move East is the Minnesota Timberwolves; the next popular choice is the Memphis Grizzlies, and the third candidate is the New Orleans Pelicans.

6. Timeline for the new teams' entry

Preparation in all aspects requires time.

Current information suggests the new teams will officially compete in the 28-29 season.

By then, Durant will likely be nearing retirement.

So, it's just fitting...