Cantwell Statement on NBA Board Vote to Formally Consider Expansion to Seattle

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, the NBA’s Board of Governors voted to open a negotiation window to expand teams into Seattle and Las Vegas, a process that could result in the two franchises tipping off in the 2028-2029 season.

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation – the committee tasked with overseeing sports – issued the following statement:

“Yes! The debate for NBA expansion has begun! Seattle will be front and center in that debate,” Sen. Cantwell said.