Magic Johnson, Nevada Governor Discuss Las Vegas NBA Expansion

Talks held last month between basketball legend and state leadership about bringing an NBA team to the city.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson met with Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and other civic leaders from Southern Nevada last month to discuss the potential pursuit of a Las Vegas NBA expansion team. The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to bring a professional basketball franchise to the city.

Why it matters

Las Vegas has long been seen as a viable market for NBA expansion, given its growing population, tourism industry, and lack of a major professional sports team. Securing an NBA team could provide a significant economic boost to the region and raise the city's profile on the national sports landscape.

The details

Details of the meeting between Johnson and Lombardo were not fully disclosed, but the discussions are believed to have centered around the logistics and feasibility of bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. Johnson, who has ownership stakes in several professional sports franchises, could potentially be involved in a bid for a Las Vegas expansion team.

  • The meeting between Magic Johnson and Governor Lombardo took place last month, in February 2026.

The players

Magic Johnson

A former NBA player and Basketball Hall of Famer who has ownership stakes in several professional sports teams.

Joe Lombardo

The current Governor of Nevada, who has been working to attract major professional sports franchises to the state.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to explore every avenue to bring a major professional sports team to Las Vegas. This meeting was an important step in that process.”

— Joe Lombardo, Governor of Nevada

What’s next

The next steps in the process will likely involve further discussions between Johnson, Lombardo, and other key stakeholders to assess the feasibility and timeline of bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas.

The takeaway

Las Vegas' efforts to secure an NBA franchise continue, with high-profile figures like Magic Johnson involved in the discussions. The potential economic and cultural benefits of landing a major professional sports team make this an important priority for Nevada's leadership.