NBA expansion news: League asks Las Vegas, Seattle for $2.5M each to curb COVID-19 losses?

Last year, NBA faced a loss worth billions of dollars due to COVID-19 pandemic. With season being held in a bubble, league's gate revenue was cut off – something which has continued this season. As COVID-19 crisis continues, league cant allow people into arenas. As per reports, this has caused NBA to consider an expansion – which will bring in billions of dollars. 

Also read | Luka Doncic goes past LeBron James in elite NBA list with triple double vs Rockets

NBA expansion: How much is league asking from potential NBA expansion teams?

With league moving forward with ir 2020-21 season, reports speak about an expansion. To help teams deal with COVID-19 losses, league is considering move, apparently asking for $2.5 billion from each team. Reports also mention that with $2.5 billion price, current 30 teams will receive $167 million each.

As of w, cities like Las Vegas and Seattle have been mention. latter has already been a part of NBA as Seattle SuperSonics – who won three conference titles and 1979 NBA title before relocating to Oklahoma City (2008). For years, fans have been constantly hoping for a new NBA team, especially one in Seattle. 

Last month, NBA commissioner Adam Silver also spoke about a possible expansion. "I think I've always said that it's sort of manifest destiny of league that you expand at some point," he said. He spoke about pandemic causing m to "dust off some of analyses on ecomic and competitive impacts of expansion". However, plan is t yet on "front burner".

While expansion could be exciting for league, many have expressed concern over a lot of things needing to be altered. This includes everything from Draft, current players and additional events like All-Star games. Though an NBA expansion might help teams, COVID-19 might t help situation. 

Additionally, players will benefit from $2.5 billion. 

Also read | NBA 2K21 1.07 update patch tes make visual change to Park

NBA expansion draft

For first time since 2004 (Charlotte Hornets), re could be an NBA expansion draft. Fans were excited about new step for league, some looking forward to Seattle having a team again. Many even joked about situation, stating that teams like Clippers should move to Seattle. 

Twitter users also discussed Vegas as an option, which is mostly a tourist spot. However, city may look for ar league as y are already a part of NHL (Vegas Golden Knights) and NFL (Las Vegas Raiders). 

Also read | NBA tells teams that rules on mask-wearing will get tougher

Timberwolves sale

Around six months ago, it was reported that Glen Taylor wanted to sell Minnesota Timberwolves. Reports are hinting at Daniel Straus as a potential new owner, who is in talks with Taylor about team.  Timberwolves star Kevin Garnett was also a potential buyer. re were also rumours about team's relocation, which have been denied by Taylor. 

Also read | Minnesota Timberwolves sale: How much is NBA team worth?

(Im credits: AP)