NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said that “not all the groups interested in potential expansion teams in Seattle and Las Vegas have made themselves publicly known to this point of the process,” according to Tim Booth of the SEATTLE TIMES. Booth wrote that “seems noteworthy” because at least in Seattle, only One Roof Sports and Entertainment has “openly expressed its intention on being involved in the expansion conversations.” Silver said that he “remains optimistic that the league will be able to stay with its plans of a decision coming before the end of the calendar year.” Silver added that he “expected robust interest in both markets,” and while that has “certainly become the case in Las Vegas” (with groups led by the likes of Basketball HOFer Jerry Colangelo, Golden Knights owner Bill Foley, Basketball HOFer Magic Johnson and former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Thrive Capital founder Joshua Kushner all expressing interest), it has “remained -- publicly -- only one group in Seattle showing the interest and the wherewithal to potentially see this process through” (SEATTLE TIMES, 7/14).
STRONG APPETITE: In Las Vegas, Mick Akers noted “four potential ownership groups are known to be interested” in the Las Vegas expansion team. Clark County Commission Chair Michael Naft said that he “believes the NBA would thrive in Las Vegas, and the commission is there to assist the league and potential ownership any way they can to make it happen.” If an ownership group outside of Foley’s is successful in its effort to get an NBA team and wants to build a new arena in Southern Nevada, Naft “is certain” that the area “can support another major sports and events facility” (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 7/14).
