The National Basketball Association has disclosed it will explore expanding to 32 teams with new franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle, targeting the 2028-29 season for implementation.

For the expansion to move forward, 23 of the league's 30 team governors must vote in favor of adding the two new teams. The vote is expected to take place next week, according to reports.

Seattle would mark a return of professional basketball to the city, which previously hosted the SuperSonics franchise from 1967 until the team relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. Las Vegas has been mentioned as a potential expansion market as the city has grown as a major sports destination in recent years.

The expansion would represent the NBA's first addition of new teams since the Charlotte Bobcats joined the league in 2004. If approved, the league would need to address logistical considerations including divisional realignment and the mechanics of an expansion draft to stock the new franchises with players.

The timeline suggests the league is taking a measured approach to expansion, allowing several years for planning and preparation if the initial vote proceeds favorably. The 2028-29 target date would provide time to address facility requirements, ownership groups, and other operational details necessary for launching new franchises.