Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd believes it’s only a matter of time before Las Vegas lands an NBA franchise.
Speaking Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena ahead of the Mavericks’ preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers, Kidd praised the city’s growing reputation as a premier sports hub and its long-standing connection to basketball culture.
“I think it’s great to be here in Vegas,” Kidd said. “We talk about a sports town — you have the Aces who’ve won championships, you have the Knights in hockey, baseball’s on its way, and then the Raiders here. The only thing missing is the NBA. Hopefully, at some point, that happens. The fans here love basketball, they understand it, so we’re lucky to be able to play here tomorrow.”
Anthony Davis on Playing in Las Vegas
Mavericks star Anthony Davis, who has competed in Las Vegas for Team USA and in multiple preseason appearances, echoed Kidd’s admiration for the city’s deep basketball roots.
“It’s always fun,” Davis said. “You see how successful teams here have been. Team USA has been coming here for a long time, and this arena is still fairly new. I’ve played here before during preseason with other teams, so it’s always good to play in front of Vegas fans. They always come out and support — great turnout, high energy, the crowd is into it. It’s always fun playing here.”
Davis’ perspective underscores what players around the league have increasingly recognized — Las Vegas has become a true basketball city, hosting marquee events and serving as a central training base for Team USA.
A City on the Brink of Expansion
Kidd and Davis’ comments come at a time when the NBA is actively evaluating expansion opportunities. League officials have acknowledged Las Vegas as one of the frontrunners to secure a new franchise, alongside Seattle.
The NBA’s Board of Governors has tasked a special committee with assessing the market’s viability, exploring revenue implications, and determining potential expansion fees. No timeline has been finalized, but Commissioner Adam Silver has described Las Vegas as “on the league’s radar.”
The city has already demonstrated its basketball infrastructure and fan engagement through the NBA Summer League, Team USA camps, and the NBA Cup — all of which have made Las Vegas a cornerstone of the league’s offseason calendar.
Arena Developments and Ownership Interest
The push for an NBA team has also spurred several major arena proposals. The Oak View Group’s $10 billion project south of the Strip has faced uncertainty after leadership changes, while LVXP’s planned arena at the former Wet N Wild site remains in its early stages.
Meanwhile, T-Mobile Arena, which hosts the NBA Cup and serves as home to the NHL’s Golden Knights, has been floated as a potential interim venue. Owner Bill Foley has proposed a $300 million renovation to make it permanently NBA-ready.
On the ownership front, LeBron James has consistently expressed interest in leading a Las Vegas-based franchise, working with investors to position the city for expansion approval.
Decades in the Making
Las Vegas’ rise as a basketball capital didn’t happen overnight. The city’s basketball roots trace back to the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels era under Jerry Tarkanian, which helped establish its reputation in the 1980s and ’90s.
Since launching the NBA Summer League in 2004, the city has evolved into a global basketball destination. The 2007 NBA All-Star Game, Team USA training camps, and three WNBA championships from the Las Vegas Aces have all reinforced the city’s status as one of the sport’s most dynamic markets.
From Kidd’s perspective, the case is clear.
“The only thing missing is the NBA,” Kidd said. “Hopefully, at some point that happens.”
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