The NBA is officially considering expansion, and Canada is very much in the conversation. Here’s what we know so far:
- Summer 2025 Board Meeting
During the Board of Governors meeting held in Las Vegas around the NBA Summer League in July, Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that the league will seriously explore expansion opportunities this summer. Canada and Mexico City have been specifically mentioned as potential markets. - Expansion Committee Formed
Following the board meeting, the league office was tasked with conducting an in-depth analysis of both economic and non-economic factors related to expansion, including financial modeling, talent dilution, and regional broadcasting logistics. - Cautious Optimism from Silver
Silver emphasized the complexity of expansion: balancing the economic impact, avoiding dilution of talent, and ensuring any new team aligns with overall league health. Notably, while expansion seems likely “over time,” nothing has been decided yet. - Leading Candidate Cities
While no official shortlist has been released, Seattle and Las Vegas are viewed as prominent U.S. contenders. In Canada, Vancouver and Montreal remain standout options.
Why Canada?
Strong Basketball Market:
Canada now boasts the most NBA players of any country outside the U.S., with stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Andrew Wiggins, Jamal Murray, and Chris Boucher showcasing the nation’s talent pipeline.
Growing Interest in Key Cities:
Commissioner Silver has previously highlighted both Montreal and Vancouver as cities with clear interest and potential, calling Canada “a great basketball market” and acknowledging rising youth engagement in the sport.
Infrastructure & Fan Base:
- Montreal is the second-largest Canadian metro area without an NBA franchise (pop. ~4 million) and has the modern Bell Centre arena.
- Montreal has proven its enthusiasm through sold-out preseason Raptors games and even outdoor CEBL matchups.
Timeline to Watch
- Now through 2025: Advisory committees carry out viability studies.
- Speculative Target: The 2027–28 season—below expectations—has been floated as a possible launch window if everything proceeds smoothly, though no commitment has been made.
Potential Challenges
| Concern | Details |
|---|---|
| Revenue Sharing | The league’s new $76 billion TV deal will need renegotiation if additional teams dilute national revenue. |
| Talent Pool Depth | Introducing two new franchises may thin the existing roster of top-tier players, affecting competition. |
| Local Media Rights | Uncertainties around regional broadcasting especially in new markets pose logistical risks. |
| Valuation & Cost | Expansion fees could surpass $5 billion per team, tied to massive valuations like that of the Celtics, which could influence negotiations. |
What It Means for Canada
- Lancôme for Basketball Fans: If expansion moves forward, fans in Vancouver or Montreal could soon rally behind a new MLB-like franchise—cross-border rivalries and national coverage included.
- Economic & Cultural Impact: New sport franchises can bring jobs, infrastructure upgrades, and a surge of local economic activity.
- Canadian Basketball Growth: A second franchise could further energize grassroots development across Canada.
Final Thoughts
While no final decision has been made, the NBA is moving from theoretical discussion to strategic planning. Canada—specifically Montreal and Vancouver—emerges as a meaningful contender. A decision could be years away, but the ball is officially in motion.
Keep an eye on upcoming NBA Board updates—especially any news post-2025 summer league—as they may shape the future of basketball in Canada.
