As I watched the Crossovers secure their third victory with that 25-12, 25-23, 20-25, 25-22 performance against the High Speed Hitters at Smart Araneta Coliseum last Tuesday, I couldn't help but think about basketball's global expansion potential. The energy in that Manila arena was absolutely electric, reminding me why the NBA continues to eye international markets for growth. Having followed league expansion talks for over a decade, I've developed some strong opinions about where the next franchises might land.
Seattle absolutely deserves to be at the top of the list, and frankly, it's baffling they've been without a team since the SuperSonics left in 2008. The city has everything you'd want - a ready-made fanbase of about 750,000 people in the metro area, corporate support from tech giants, and that incredible basketball history. I've spoken with former Sonics season ticket holders who still get emotional talking about Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp era. The recent Climate Pledge Arena renovations prove the infrastructure is there, and the NBA's recent All-Star game hosting shows the league hasn't forgotten about the market.
What really excites me though are the international possibilities. Mexico City has been on the radar for years, with the NBA hosting regular season games there since 1997. The population of nearly 22 million makes it the largest metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere without an NBA team. I've attended games at Arena Ciudad de México where the atmosphere rivaled any NBA arena I've visited. The time zone alignment with US markets makes scheduling feasible, though travel and security concerns remain significant hurdles the league would need to address.
Then there's Las Vegas - what started as speculation has become increasingly realistic. The success of the Golden Knights in the NHL and the Raiders' relocation proved Vegas can support major professional sports. Having lived there during the summer league, I can attest to how basketball-crazy the city becomes when those games roll into town. The potential for corporate partnerships with casino resorts and the growing tech scene creates a compelling business case. My sources suggest the league is particularly interested in the sponsorship revenue potential, which could exceed $150 million annually based on current market rates.
I'm particularly fascinated by the European question. London has hosted regular season games since 2011, and the O2 Arena consistently sells out. The logistical challenges are substantial - imagine the jet lag from flying teams back and forth across the Atlantic - but the financial upside is enormous. The UK basketball market generates approximately $125 million in annual revenue for the NBA through merchandise and broadcasting rights alone. Paris is another intriguing option, especially with Victor Wembanyama's rise creating unprecedented basketball interest in France.
What many people overlook is the ownership component. Expansion fees are projected to reach $3-4 billion per team, meaning only the wealthiest individuals or ownership groups need apply. I've been in rooms with potential ownership candidates, and the conversations have shifted dramatically toward global branding opportunities rather than just local market appeal. The successful expansion teams of recent memory - like the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors - have shown that getting the ownership right is just as important as choosing the right city.
Looking at emerging markets, I'm keeping my eye on Vancouver's potential return. Their first NBA stint failed for various reasons, but the city's demographic and economic transformation since 2001 makes it a completely different market today. The Canadian dollar's stability compared to the 90s, combined with growing Asian immigration patterns, creates a compelling case for another look. Having visited Vancouver recently, I was struck by how many people still wear Grizzlies merchandise decades after the team's departure.
Ultimately, the NBA's expansion decision will balance tradition with innovation. While Seattle feels inevitable, the truly bold move would be crossing an ocean. The league's global popularity has never been higher, and strategic international expansion could cement basketball's position as the world's second most popular sport behind soccer. Based on what I've observed in markets from Manila to Mexico City, the appetite for live NBA basketball exists far beyond North America's borders. The question isn't whether the league will expand internationally, but when they'll take that calculated risk.
