NBA Expansion Approved for Seattle and Las Vegas

Anthony Edwards ruled ineligible for awards after missing Timberwolves vs Pistons game

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:16am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and red overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.The NBA's expansion plans will reshape the league's geographic footprint, while strict player attendance policies impact award eligibility.Seattle Today

The NBA Board of Governors has approved a bid to explore expanding the league to Seattle, Washington and Las Vegas, Nevada. This comes as Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was ruled ineligible for NBA awards this season after missing a game against the Detroit Pistons.

Why it matters

Expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas would mark the first time the NBA has added new franchises since 2004 when the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) joined the league. Edwards' ineligibility for awards highlights the strict attendance policies the NBA has in place for individual player honors.

The details

The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved a plan to formally explore expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, two markets that have long been rumored as potential expansion destinations. Meanwhile, Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards was ruled ineligible for NBA awards this season after missing a game against the Pistons due to rest, violating the league's player availability policies.

  • The NBA Board of Governors approved the expansion exploration on April 2, 2026.
  • Anthony Edwards missed the Timberwolves vs Pistons game on March 29, 2026.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who was ruled ineligible for NBA awards this season after missing a game.

NBA Board of Governors

The governing body of the National Basketball Association that approved the expansion exploration.

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What they’re saying

“Expanding to Seattle and Las Vegas has been a priority for the league for years, and we're excited to take this important first step.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

What’s next

The NBA will now begin a formal process to evaluate potential ownership groups, arena plans, and other key factors in Seattle and Las Vegas before deciding whether to award expansion franchises.

The takeaway

The NBA's move to explore expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas signals the league's continued growth and desire to reach new markets, while Edwards' ineligibility underscores the strict attendance policies players must follow to be considered for individual awards.