LAS VEGAS – A bipartisan group of Nevada’s congressional delegation is making a full-court press for an NBA franchise in Las Vegas, urging league commissioner Adam Silver to seriously consider the city for expansion. Led by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, the delegation – including Senator Jacky Rosen and Representatives Dina Titus, Mark Amodei, Susie Lee, and Steven Horsford – sent a letter to Silver this week highlighting Las Vegas’s growing sporting success and robust infrastructure as reasons why it’s “uniquely positioned” to support a team. The push for an NBA team in Las Vegas comes as the city continues to establish itself as a major sports destination, attracting events like Formula 1 and becoming a hub for professional teams in other leagues.
The letter, dated March 19, 2024, emphasizes the long-standing partnership between Las Vegas and the NBA, particularly the success of the NBA Summer League, which has been held in the city for over two decades. The delegation also points to Las Vegas hosting the inaugural NBA Cup championship as further evidence of the city’s ability to support high-profile basketball events. The core argument centers on building on this existing momentum, with the lawmakers stating they “strongly urge you to build on the League’s local momentum by selecting Las Vegas as the site of a league franchise.” The effort to bring an NBA team to Las Vegas reflects a broader strategy to diversify the city’s economy and solidify its position as a global entertainment and sports capital.
A Winning Record: Nevada’s Basketball History
Beyond the NBA’s presence through the Summer League and the NBA Cup, Nevada boasts a strong basketball pedigree at both the professional and collegiate levels. The Las Vegas Aces, a WNBA franchise, have become a dominant force, winning championships in 2022, 2023, and are poised to contend for another title in 2025. This success demonstrates a growing local appetite for professional basketball.
The collegiate scene also contributes to the state’s basketball legacy. The University of Nevada, Reno has a storied history, claiming 23 conference championships throughout its more than 100-year existence. UNLV, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has also achieved significant success, winning 12 conference championships and reaching the NCAA Final Four four times, culminating in a national championship victory over Duke University in 1990. These achievements showcase a deep-rooted basketball culture within the state, providing a foundation for a potential NBA franchise.
Las Vegas: A World-Class Destination for Sports
The delegation’s letter doesn’t solely rely on basketball history. It also emphasizes Las Vegas’s unique advantages as a modern sports destination. The city’s world-class hospitality infrastructure, including numerous hotels, arenas, and entertainment venues, is a key selling point. Las Vegas is already home to the NFL’s Raiders, the NHL’s Golden Knights, and a WNBA champion in the Aces, proving its ability to support multiple major professional sports teams. The city’s ability to attract millions of tourists annually – both domestic and international – offers the NBA a built-in global audience and significant marketing opportunities.
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the city welcomed over 40.8 million visitors in 2023. This constant influx of tourists provides a unique advantage for an NBA team, offering a consistent stream of potential fans and revenue. The delegation argues that expanding the NBA to Las Vegas would not only strengthen the league’s presence in the United States but also enhance its global reach, tapping into a diverse and international market. The city’s reputation as a premier entertainment destination further enhances its appeal to both players and fans.
The Political Push and Future Prospects
Senator Cortez Masto has been a vocal advocate for Nevada’s tourism economy and has consistently worked to promote Las Vegas on the national stage. Her efforts include demanding that the Trump administration address policies impacting international travel to the U.S. And supporting legislation to restore funding for Brand USA, a public-private partnership aimed at promoting tourism to the United States. This bipartisan effort to attract an NBA team underscores the widespread support for bringing professional basketball to Las Vegas.
While the NBA has not yet announced any concrete plans for expansion, the league has publicly acknowledged the potential of the Las Vegas market. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has repeatedly stated that Las Vegas is a “great market” and that the league is monitoring the city’s development. The next key step will likely involve the NBA Board of Governors evaluating potential expansion candidates and establishing a timeline for any future decisions. The Nevada delegation’s letter serves as a clear signal of the state’s readiness and commitment to supporting a modern NBA franchise.
The possibility of an NBA team in Las Vegas is more than just a sporting proposition; it’s an economic development opportunity and a testament to the city’s evolution as a global entertainment and sports hub. The delegation’s unified voice and the city’s proven track record suggest that Las Vegas is a serious contender for future NBA expansion.
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