In July 2025, during the NBA’s Board of Governors meeting held in Las Vegas alongside Summer League, Commissioner Adam Silver and team owners officially initiated a serious examination of expansion. This represents the first concrete step toward expansion in years.
Silver stated:
“Expansion was discussed both at a committee level and at the board, and ultimately the league office was tasked by our board with doing an in-depth analysis of all the issues around expansion, both economic and non-economic.”
This marks a significant shift from speculation to structured planning. The league is actively analyzing key factors like talent pool depth, competitive integrity, and economic dilution.
Why Canada Is Back in the Conversation
Commissioner Silver has repeatedly indicated that Canada remains a compelling market for expansion. While no formal meetings with specific cities have occurred yet, he has pointed to interest in Canada and Mexico City as long-term opportunities beyond just U.S. cities.
Montreal and Vancouver often surface as leading Canadian contenders:
- Vancouver previously hosted the Grizzlies (1995–2001) and remains a major Canadian metro with sports infrastructure and a passionate fan base.
- Montreal is the second-largest North American metro area without an NBA team, boasts a modern venue (Bell Centre), and has already hosted Raptors preseason games.
Silver also lauded Canada’s growing influence in basketball, noting that no country outside the U.S. has more active NBA players. He remarked: “There will be more opportunity over time.”
Key Challenges Ahead
Even as initial planning moves forward, substantial obstacles remain:
- Talent Dilution — Adding franchises means dividing the current pool of talent. How best to stock new teams without reducing overall league quality is a major concern.
- Economic Impact — With a multibillion-dollar media rights deal already locked in through 2036, adding teams could dilute current franchises’ revenue. Valuation and equity distribution are complex.
- Timing & Logistics — Although the expansion study is underway, no timeline for when teams could begin playing has been set. Even if announced soon, new franchises may not take the court for several years.
What It Means for Canada
- Reignited Hope: The league’s formal study puts Canada firmly back on the map for potential expansion. Both Montreal and Vancouver look especially positioned for consideration.
- Long Road Ahead: Commission Silver is clear—this is just “Day 1” of analysis. A decision, if reached, and a timeline for a new team remain undefined.
- Basketball Boom: The decision to explore expansion reflects the growing strength and appeal of basketball in Canada, driven by talent pipelines, fan interest, and market growth.
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| When? | July 2025 Board of Governors meeting in Las Vegas marked the start of a formal expansion study. |
| What? | In-depth analysis of expansion feasibility, including economic and competitive considerations. |
| Where? | Canada (notably Montreal and Vancouver) remains under serious consideration. |
| Challenges? | Talent dilution, revenue sharing, valuation, timing. |
| Outlook? | Promising but early-stage—could take years before a new team materializes. |
