The last time the National Basketball Association added a new franchise was in 2004, when the league expanded from twenty-nine teams to thirty with the addition of the Charlotte Bobcats, or the Charlotte Hornets of present day. Since then, although the Bobcats/Hornets have failed to create an impressive resume up to this point, the culture and history behind the city of Charlotte has been an extremely beneficial addition to the league.

With roots in North Carolina due to where he played his collegiate basketball, NBA legend Michael Jordan purchased the franchise in 2006, sponsoring the team with his infamous Jumpman symbol and elevating the team’s potential as a brand and as a market for talented basketball players for years and years to come.

I am well aware that the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets may not be the best evidence to support the claim that the NBA announcing two new expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle on Monday, Feb. 9 is officially setting up the league for sustainable success moving forward. However, the addition of new teams can offer opportunities for franchises to prosper financially and new opportunities for players who haven’t been able to showcase their talents in the past.

“Well first, more opportunities for [NBA players] to play,” junior NBA fan Josiah Kordik states. “Secondly, adding new cities can bring in sponsorships from businesses that may be respective to that city, which would only help the league financially.”

Similarly to Michael Jordan’s interest in the Charlotte franchise, high profile names have already begun entering their names into the pool of potential shareholders for an expansion team in Las Vegas, with some of the most notable of which including LeBron James, current NBA superstar, and Bill Foley, the current owner of the Las Vegas Golden Knights NHL team.

Having a high-profile figure at the helm of an organization, let alone a professional sports team in Las Vegas, in modern society is one of the most efficient means of ensuring economic prosperity for the organization. A big name in a big city creates instant buzz or popularity, making this decision more and more of ‘no brainer’ as these conversations continue to take place amongst the heads of the NBA.

While many expansion franchises can gain popularity or value through sponsorships, an NBA expansion in Seattle may be set up for immediate traction within the NBA community because of a different factor: history. The Oklahoma City Thunder, before their relocation and rebranding on July 2, 2008, were originally located in Seattle as the Seattle Supersonics. Since their departure from the league, fans have clambered for the Sonics to return in some manner.

If the Supersonics are going to be readmitted into the league, the NBA will most definitely benefit from an economic standpoint. Seattle has some of the most passionate sports fans in the nation. Whether it’s the Seahawks of the NFL, Mariners of the MLB or the Kraken of the NHL, their fans will always express their support. Jerseys would almost be certain to sell out and fans would show up every chance that they could get, therefore facilitating a steady revenue stream for years to come.

Now, at this current moment, the expansion of the NBA is strictly a topic of conversation amongst league executives. However, if these conversations become reality, it would be a phenomenal decision in terms of benefiting both the NBA and its fans.