NBA Rumors: League unlikely to consider expansion in near future
By Bryan Rose
The NBA is looking to start negotiations on their television contract in the near future.
It was believed that the league would look into potential expansion after agreeing on a new deal, but that doesn’t appear to be the case according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Citing a variety of factors, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hinted expansion to Seattle (or any other city) is unlikely in the near future. Main reason? The currently in limbo status of the Milwaukee Bucks who are currently looking for a new arena/potentially available for sale.
"It would be unlikely Silver would take any meaningful steps on expansion anywhere with the Bucks situation unresolved. After fighting for a new arena in Sacramento for a decade, it wasn’t until the real threat of relocation to Seattle that a deal for a new arena was forced through. The attractiveness of the Seattle option could end up again being the wedge in Milwaukee."
Of course, the issue in Milwaukee could end up being a blessing in disguise for Seattle who could be the eventual beneficiary of the team if the city and Bucks struggle with the completion of a new arena/sale.
In addition, Silver suggested the poor play of the Eastern Conference has him concerned about adding another 15-30 players to the league talent pool.