Expansion of the NBA

Since beginning with 11 teams in 1946, the National Basketball Association expanded several times before reaching its current 30 teams. The most recent additions were the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat (1988), the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic (1989), the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies (1995; the latter relocated to Memphis in 2001), and the Charlotte Bobcats (2004).

Commissioner Adam Silver stated in a February 2024 interview on The Pat McAfee Show that Las Vegas was an expansion team candidate. Seattle is also considered a top expansion candidate should an expansion occur, with Mexico City, Montreal, and Vancouver also being less likely expansion options. In September 2024, Silver stated that the NBA would have discussions about a potential expansion of the league sometime during the 2024–25 season, with an ESPN article stating that the potential expansion teams may begin play in the 2027–28 season should one occur. In April 2025, Silver stated that the league could begin a formal expansion process in the summer of 2025.

Progression of NBA expansion
Years No. of teams
1946–1947 11
1947–1948 8
1948–1949 12
1949–1950 17
1950–1951 11
1951–1953 10
1953–1955 9
1955–1961 8
1961–1966 9
1966–1967 10
1967–1968 12
1968–1970 14
1970–1974 17
1974–1976 18
1976–1980 22
1980–1988 23
1988–1989 25
1989–1995 27
1995–2004 29
2004–present 30
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