NBA Expansion: Las Vegas, Seattle, and the Path to Global Growth in Mexico City and Europe
The NBA explores opportunities in Mexico City, Europe, and beyond, focusing on global fan engagement, accessibility, and collaboration with local organizations.
DENVER — As the NBA considers expanding to 32 teams, with Las Vegas and Seattle emerging as likely destinations, long-term prospects for global expansion and reach remain a compelling topic.
During a meeting with media members in Madrid in 2023, where the Dallas Mavericks played Luka Dončić’s former team, Real Madrid, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum discussed the league’s strategy for potential expansion and its challenges. There was plenty of wisdom that still applies the landscape.
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Why Mexico City ‘Makes Sense’
Mexico City stands out among international markets as a strong contender for the expansion of the NBA. The city’s population and basketball infrastructure provide a solid foundation for growth.
“If we eventually focus on whether expansion makes sense, we would have to consider Mexico City,” Tatum said. “It’s the largest city in North America, home to an NBA G League team and the NBA Academy. Greater Mexico City has a population of 26 million, and the country itself has over 120 million people, making it a significant market.”
Tatum emphasized that any expansion decision would be based on how a new franchise could contribute to the league’s overall success.
“When considering expansion for any franchise or league, the key question is how the new franchise helps grow the overall pie. These are the kinds of factors we would evaluate if and when we turn our attention to expansion,” he said.
Leveraging Global Venues
The NBA’s ambitions to reach more fans globally include utilizing world-class venues like Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Tatum praised the ongoing renovations at the iconic facility, highlighting its potential to host future NBA games.
“The Bernabéu is truly a world-class facility. While it isn’t fully completed yet, under the right circumstances, we’d love to play there,” Tatum said. “These are conversations we’ll have with Real Madrid. They’re interested in attracting new competitions, and a venue of this caliber opens up exciting opportunities.”
The venue is something to take into account considering Luka Dončić mentioned after facing Real Madrid that the Maveicks intend to return to Spain.
“They have promised me that we will return here in two or three years,” Dončić said.
Such venues create memorable live experiences and connect fans with NBA basketball in regions where the league continues to grow.
A Thriving NBA Hub in Las Vegas
Although Las Vegas has yet to secure an NBA franchise, its role as a basketball epicenter continues to expand. The city regularly hosts events such as the Summer League, USA Basketball showcases, and recently WNBA All-Star weekend.
“Las Vegas during July is almost like our 31st franchise,” Tatum said. “We take over the month with these events, and fans flock to the city from around the world. It’s demonstrated that it can host world-class events, making it a strong candidate for any future expansion discussions.”
Seattle naturally has remained a frequent potential expansion destination when speculating since the team’s departure to Oklahoma City in 2008. With Climate Pledge Arena as a potential venue, there is a strong case to be made.
Accessibility Through Prime-Time Games
Fan accessibility remains central to the NBA’s strategy, particularly in Europe, where time zone differences pose challenges. The league has tried to schedule more weekend prime-time games tailored to European audiences, with Spain hosting 40 such broadcasts this season.
“Our focus is on creating more opportunities for fans to watch NBA games in their local time zones,” Tatum explained. “These Saturday and Sunday games are key to expanding viewership and providing fans with a better experience.”
This strategy mirrors the success of morning European football broadcasts in the U.S., offering similar convenience for international NBA fans.
Strengthening Partnerships in Europe
The NBA has also made progress in collaborating with European basketball organizations to align their structures. Tatum highlighted ongoing discussions with FIBA and EuroLeague to resolve scheduling conflicts and address financial challenges within the European basketball ecosystem.
“One of the things we’ve always said to FIBA and the EuroLeague is that we’re happy to help align the basketball ecosystem in Europe,” Tatum said. “For example, recognizing international breaks for national teams is a step in the right direction. There’s so much opportunity here to grow basketball for fans.”
Building the Global Game
While Las Vegas and Seattle are expected to headline the NBA’s next wave of expansion, markets like Mexico City and key European cities represent the future of basketball’s global growth.
By leveraging iconic venues, increasing accessibility, and fostering collaboration with local organizations, the NBA continues to solidify its role as a global sports leader.
As Tatum noted, “The dream is that we become the number one sport around the world. And there’s still a lot of work to do.”
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