The NBA owners will convene for their annual meeting in mid-July 2026. The group may hold a final vote on adding a franchise to Las Vegas during this session.
The league year concluded on Saturday following Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals. The New York Knicks secured the championship in San Antonio, located approximately 1,200 miles away. Las Vegas and Seattle received unanimous preliminary approval from owners in March.
The upcoming vote would finalize the expansion process.
Local Economic Context
Las Vegas aims to host a fourth major professional league. The city currently faces a decline in visitor numbers. Visitation dropped 7.5% year-over-year in 2025, per the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Airport traffic decreased by 6% during the same period. Tourism levels remained flat in 2026, while air traffic fell an additional 6% through April. There are currently 12 US metro areas that host all four major sports.
Strip casinos reported a net profit of $154.2 million in fiscal year 2025, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. This figure represents an 80% drop from the previous year, despite total revenue of $21 billion. The city is integrating more sporting events to support growth.
The Athletics will begin playing 81 regular-season games at a new $2 billion stadium on the Strip in 2028. The annual Formula One race has been extended through 2037. The city will also host the College Football Playoff, March Madness and the Super Bowl.
Las Vegas previously hosted the NBA Cup in-season tournament and serves as the headquarters for the US men’s national team. The city also organizes NBA Summer League, which runs from 9 to 19 July.