Vote for Favorite Nickname for Las Vegas NBA Expansion Team

Readers suggest 'Bighorns', 'Mustangs', 'Rattlers', 'Scorpions', 'Sharks', and 'Vipers' as top options

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of vibrant blue, red, and gold colors, conceptually representing the excitement and anticipation around a new professional basketball team coming to Las Vegas.Fans eagerly await the unveiling of a new NBA team name that will capture the spirit and culture of Las Vegas.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Review-Journal asked readers to submit name suggestions for a potential NBA expansion team in Las Vegas. After receiving over 150 different ideas, the newspaper has narrowed the list down to six finalists: Bighorns, Mustangs, Rattlers, Scorpions, Sharks, and Vipers. Readers can now vote on their favorite nickname, though the NBA will ultimately decide the official team name.

Why it matters

As Las Vegas continues to grow as a major sports market, with the Raiders, Golden Knights, and Aces all calling the city home, a new NBA franchise would further cement Vegas' status as a top-tier destination for professional athletics. The name selected for the team will be an important part of establishing its local identity and connection to the community.

The details

The Review-Journal received over 300 emails and hundreds of social media suggestions after putting out the call for name ideas. While some of the more creative or whimsical options like 'Vegas Victory', 'White Tigers', and 'Dry Heat' were considered, the six finalists were the clear leaders with dozens of repeat mentions from readers. The newspaper is now allowing the public to vote on their preferred nickname, though the final decision will rest with the NBA.

  • The Review-Journal published the initial call for name suggestions on April 3, 2026.
  • Voting on the six finalist nicknames will close on April 12, 2026.

The players

Las Vegas Review-Journal

The local newspaper in Las Vegas that is running the nickname contest for the potential NBA expansion team.

Mark Davis

Owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, who has expressed interest in the city landing an NBA franchise.

Las Vegas Mayor

The mayor of Las Vegas, who is expected to pitch the city as a potential site for a new NBA arena.

Aces Owner

The owner of the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, who has praised the league's progress with a new CBA and increased sponsorships.

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What they’re saying

“Be aware, we have no say-so in which name the NBA selects. This is for entertainment purposes only.”

— Las Vegas Review-Journal, Sports Editor

“Would a league that just went through a betting scandal involving three players and a coach name a team the Gamblers? We don't think so.”

— Las Vegas Review-Journal, Sports Editor

What’s next

The Review-Journal will publish the results of the public voting on April 12, 2026, though the NBA will ultimately decide the official team name.

The takeaway

As Las Vegas solidifies its status as a major sports hub, the selection of a name for a potential NBA expansion team will be an important part of establishing the franchise's local identity and connection to the community. The public voting process has generated significant interest and engagement from Las Vegas residents.