Las Vegas, known for its vibrant nightlife, world-class entertainment, and, of course, its bustling casino industry, may soon have a new player in town – an NBA expansion team. While the city already boasts a successful NHL team, the Vegas Golden Knights, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed interest in bringing a professional basketball team to Sin City.
The idea of an NBA team in Las Vegas is not a new one. In fact, the city has been the subject of relocation rumors for years, with several NBA teams such as the Sacramento Kings and the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly considering a move to Vegas. However, with the league’s recent push for expansion, the possibility of a new team setting up shop in Las Vegas has never been more realistic.
One figure who has been vocal about his desire to bring an NBA team to Las Vegas is none other than casino mogul and owner of the Palms Casino Resort, George “The King” Maloof. Maloof, a Las Vegas native and former owner of the Sacramento Kings, has long been a proponent of expanding the city’s sports offerings beyond just the NHL and UFC events.
In a recent interview, Maloof revealed that he has been in talks with NBA officials about the possibility of purchasing an expansion team for Las Vegas. “I believe that Las Vegas is ready for an NBA team,” he said. “We have the infrastructure, the fan base, and the passion for basketball to support a successful franchise.”
But acquiring an NBA team is no small feat, and it comes with a hefty price tag. Expansion fees for new NBA teams typically range in the hundreds of millions of dollars, with some reports estimating that it could cost upwards of $1 billion for a team in a market like Las Vegas. However, Maloof seems undeterred by the potential cost, stating that he is willing to invest whatever it takes to make his dream a reality.
In addition to the financial investment, there are also logistical challenges that come with bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. The city would need a suitable arena for the team to play in, as well as a dedicated fan base to support the franchise. However, with the success of the Golden Knights and the city’s growing population, many believe that Las Vegas is more than capable of supporting an NBA team.
While there is no official timeline for when an NBA team could potentially come to Las Vegas, the prospect of The King bringing a franchise to his hometown has certainly caught the attention of basketball fans and industry insiders alike. As Maloof continues to push for an NBA team in Las Vegas, only time will tell if his gamble will pay off and if the city will soon be home to its very own professional basketball team.
