NBA Mulls Conference Realignment After Expansion

Seattle and Las Vegas frontrunners for new teams, Western Conference franchise could shift East

Feb. 12, 2026 at 9:07pm

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As the NBA considers adding two new expansion franchises, league officials are also evaluating potential conference realignment to maintain balance. Insider Shams Charania reports that Seattle and Las Vegas are viewed as the top contenders for the new teams, which would likely require shifting a current Western Conference franchise to the Eastern Conference. Candidates mentioned include the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New Orleans Pelicans.

Why it matters

Conference realignment could have major competitive and financial implications for the affected teams and the league as a whole. Moving a Western Conference team to the East would change the playoff picture and travel schedules, while also impacting revenue sharing and other league dynamics.

The details

According to Charania, the NBA's Board of Governors will meet in March to discuss expansion financials and logistics, with a potential decision coming later in 2026. The league is focused on adding franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas, which would necessitate shifting one current Western Conference team to the East to maintain balance. Charania named the Grizzlies, Timberwolves, and Pelicans as potential candidates for the move, noting their geographic proximity to the East.

  • The NBA Board of Governors will meet in March 2026 to discuss expansion details.
  • A decision on expansion and conference realignment is expected to come later in 2026.

The players

Shams Charania

An NBA insider and reporter for ESPN.

Memphis Grizzlies

An NBA team currently in the Western Conference that could potentially shift to the Eastern Conference.

Minnesota Timberwolves

An NBA team currently in the Western Conference that could potentially shift to the Eastern Conference.

New Orleans Pelicans

An NBA team currently in the Western Conference that could potentially shift to the Eastern Conference.

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What they’re saying

“This is top of mind for the Board of Governors and the NBA owners because this is big business potentially. And I'm told there is a Board of Governors meeting in March where the expectation is there's going to be some more information, financials on what it looks like when you go get a couple more expansion teams potentially.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider

“My understanding is Seattle and Las Vegas are the frontrunners for expansions teams and from there a Western Conference team moving to the Eastern Conference. So, you think about teams in that region, right? Memphis, Minnesota, New Orleans. Could one of those teams potentially move to the Eastern Conference?”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider

What’s next

The NBA Board of Governors will meet in March 2026 to discuss expansion financials and logistics, with a potential decision on expansion and conference realignment coming later in the year.

The takeaway

The NBA's expansion plans could have far-reaching implications, including the potential shift of a current Western Conference team to the Eastern Conference. This move would alter the competitive landscape and financial dynamics for the affected franchise and the league as a whole.