Cantwell Statement On Upcoming NBA Board Vote to Enter Into the Official Expansion Process Specific to Seattle and Las Vegas

WASHINGTON, D.C.– This morning, ESPN reported the NBA’s Board of Governors plans to meet next week to vote on opening 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:
“It's good news that the NBA wants to hold expansion discussion in March. What a great month for basketball. There is no better and deserving city than Seattle if you want to talk about expansion. HUGE fan base plus history equals great future for the NBA in Seattle.”
In February, Sen. Cantwelltold KOMO 4 News in Seattlethat she expected the NBA board to vote on the expansion this month.