NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks at a press conference during All-Star Weekend at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., on Feb. 14, 2026. Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images
After years of speculation and rumors, the NBA finally confirmed this week that it will do more than simply explore expansion—it will soon be taking bids on adding two new teams.
The last expansion came in 2004 with the Charlotte Bobcats, now the Hornets, giving the league 30 teams.
Ross Kelly is a sports journalist who has been published by ESPN, CBS and USA Today. He has also done statistical research for Stats Inc. and Synergy Sports Technology. A graduate of LSU, Ross resides in Houston.
