The New York Knicks advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 with a 130-93 victory at Cleveland on Monday, stretching their team-record playoff win streak to 11 games. Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points and 14 rebounds, O.G. Anunoby added 17 points and reserve Landry Shamet had 16 points with 4-of-4 three-point shooting to lead the Knicks' blowout triumph. New York swept the Cavaliers 4-0 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final and will play for the crown starting June 3.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-iran-s-world-cup-team-to-stay-in-mexico-following-us-refusal-1779730027650">FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran’s World Cup team to stay in Mexico following US refusal</a>New York, who won their only NBA titles in 1970 and 1973, will face either defending champions Oklahoma City or San Antonio.They are tied 2-2 in the Western Conference final.Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each added 15 points for New York, who improved to 12-2 in the playoffs.The Knicks closed the first quarter with an 8-0 run and began the second with a 12-0 surge to grab a 50-26 lead.Shamet made two three-pointers in the pivotal stretch while Brunson and Miles McBride each made a three-pointer as the Knicks seized command.Another Shamet three-pointer gave the Knicks their largest first-half lead at 61-32 in the second quarter before the Cavs trimmed it to 68-49 at half-time.New York overwhelmed the Cavs with fast-break scoring and solid defensive work, pulling away for good in the third quarter.Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points.

New York, who won their only NBA titles in 1970 and 1973, will face either defending champions Oklahoma City or San Antonio.

The New York Knicks advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 with a 130-93 victory at Cleveland on Monday, stretching their team-record playoff win streak to 11 games. Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points and 14 rebounds, O.G. Anunoby added 17 points and reserve Landry Shamet had 16 points with 4-of-4 three-point shooting to lead the Knicks' blowout triumph. New York swept the Cavaliers 4-0 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final and will play for the crown starting June 3. Also Read - FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran’s World Cup team to stay in Mexico following US refusal New York, who won their only NBA titles in 1970 and 1973, will face either defending champions Oklahoma City or San Antonio. They are tied 2-2 in the Western Conference final. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each added 15 points for New York, who improved to 12-2 in the playoffs. The Knicks closed the first quarter with an 8-0 run and began the second with a 12-0 surge to grab a 50-26 lead. Shamet made two three-pointers in the pivotal stretch while Brunson and Miles McBride each made a three-pointer as the Knicks seized command. Another Shamet three-pointer gave the Knicks their largest first-half lead at 61-32 in the second quarter before the Cavs trimmed it to 68-49 at half-time. New York overwhelmed the Cavs with fast-break scoring and solid defensive work, pulling away for good in the third quarter. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points.

New York, who won their only NBA titles in 1970 and 1973, will face either defending champions Oklahoma City or San Antonio.

New York Knicks reach maiden NBA Finals since 1999

Jamahl Mosley was fired as coach of the Orlando Magic on Monday, hours after the team was eliminated from the NBA playoffs with a blowout loss in Detroit. The top-seeded Pistons rallied from a 3-1 deficit in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference first round series to eliminate Orlando with a 116-94 triumph in game seven on Sunday. The Magic was barely back in Florida before team president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman announced Mosley's dismissal.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/has-john-cena-signed-a-new-wwe-deal-after-retirement-backlash-2026-return-confirms-rumours-twitter-post-wrestlemania-42-host-1777909585515">Has John Cena signed a new WWE deal? Backlash return confirms rumours – Report</a>"We're grateful to Jamahl for all he has done for the Orlando Magic," Weltman said. "We appreciate his leadership and the positive contributions he made as head coach."While this was a difficult decision, we feel it's time for a new voice and fresh perspective."The Pistons, only the 15th team in NBA history to win a series after trailing 3-1, announced later Monday they were extending the contract of coach J.B. Bickerstaff. No details were revealed.Mosley, 47, served as an assistant coach for Denver, Cleveland and Dallas before being hired by the Magic as head coach in July 2021.His five seasons marked the longest tenure for any Magic coach since Stan Van Gundy, who guided Orlando to the 2009 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.But the Magic have not won a playoff series since 2010, falling in the first round seven times and missing the playoffs nine times since then.Under Mosley, the Magic went 189-221, including a 45-37 record this past campaign, and made the playoffs the past three seasons before making quick exits.

The Magic was barely back in Florida before team president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman announced Mosley's dismissal.

Jamahl Mosley was fired as coach of the Orlando Magic on Monday, hours after the team was eliminated from the NBA playoffs with a blowout loss in Detroit. The top-seeded Pistons rallied from a 3-1 deficit in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference first round series to eliminate Orlando with a 116-94 triumph in game seven on Sunday. The Magic was barely back in Florida before team president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman announced Mosley's dismissal. Also Read - Has John Cena signed a new WWE deal? Backlash return confirms rumours – Report "We're grateful to Jamahl for all he has done for the Orlando Magic," Weltman said. "We appreciate his leadership and the positive contributions he made as head coach. "While this was a difficult decision, we feel it's time for a new voice and fresh perspective." The Pistons, only the 15th team in NBA history to win a series after trailing 3-1, announced later Monday they were extending the contract of coach J.B. Bickerstaff. No details were revealed. Mosley, 47, served as an assistant coach for Denver, Cleveland and Dallas before being hired by the Magic as head coach in July 2021. His five seasons marked the longest tenure for any Magic coach since Stan Van Gundy, who guided Orlando to the 2009 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. But the Magic have not won a playoff series since 2010, falling in the first round seven times and missing the playoffs nine times since then. Under Mosley, the Magic went 189-221, including a 45-37 record this past campaign, and made the playoffs the past three seasons before making quick exits.

The Magic was barely back in Florida before team president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman announced Mosley's dismissal.

NBA | Orlando Magic fire coach Jamahl Mosley after first round exit in playoffs

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Boston Celtics launched their NBA playoff campaigns with big wins on Sunday as Orlando shocked the Detroit Pistons. The Thunder, trying to become the first team since Golden State in 2017 and 2018 to repeat as champions, routed the Phoenix Suns 119-84. The Celtics, seeded second in the Eastern Conference behind Detroit, dominated the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91, but the Pistons trailed all the way in a 112-101 loss to the Magic. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP, scored 25 points, connecting on just five of 18 from the field but drilling 15 of his 17 free throw attempts for Oklahoma City.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pcb-appoints-sarfaraz-ahmed-as-pakistan-s-test-head-coach-asad-shafiq-umar-gul-given-key-roles-1776508320407">PCB appoints Sarfaraz Ahmed as Test head coach; Shafiq, Umar Gul given key roles</a>He added seven assists and two blocked shots before sitting out the entire fourth quarter.Jalen Williams added 22 points and Chet Holmgren scored 16 for the Thunder, who wasted no time in seizing control in game one of their best-of-seven Western Conference series in front of a revved-up crowd at the Paycom Center.Devin Booker scored 23 points for Phoenix but the Suns, who scraped through the play-in to claim the Western Conference eighth seed, were largely helpless against a Thunder team that amassed the best record in the league with 64 regular-season wins."It was a great defensive performance," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. "I thought the guys were really competitive, played on a string, great communication, covered for each other. (It) wasn't perfect, but we had each other's backs."We forced them to earn everything."While the well-rested Thunder came out firing, the Pistons looked rusty after having a week off and the Magic, who beat Charlotte on Friday to secure their playoff spot, took full advantage.Paolo Banchero scored 23 points and Franz Wagner scored 11 of his 19 in the fourth quarter as the Magic withstood a 39-point performance from Pistons star Cade Cunningham.Detroit trailed by as many as 13 in the first quarter and by 11 early in the third. A Cunningham three-pointer tied it with 7:04 left in the third, but the Magic pulled away again."I liked our composure the whole game, our energy," Wagner said after the Magic handed the Pistons an 11th straight home playoff defeat, a skid dating back to 2008.<h2>'Incredible feeling'</h2>In Boston, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 51 points as the Celtics led wire to wire against the Sixers, who have lost their last six post-season series against Boston.Tatum led the charge, racking up 21 of his 25 points in the first half. Brown poured in 16 of his 26 in the third quarter alone."It's an incredible feeling," said Tatum, whose unexpected late-season return from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in last year's playoffs has plenty of pundits picking Boston, not Detroit, to emerge from the East."Not too long ago I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to play this season, let alone get an opportunity to play in the playoffs," Tatum said.The San Antonio Spurs -- with Victor Wembanyama getting his first taste of NBA playoff action -- hosted the Portland Trail Blazers in the day's final game.

The Thunder, trying to become the first team since Golden State in 2017 and 2018 to repeat as champions, routed the Phoenix Suns 119-84. The Celtics, 2nd seed in the East Conference behind Detroit, dominated the 76ers 123-91, but the Pistons trailed all the way in a 112-101 loss to the Magic.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Boston Celtics launched their NBA playoff campaigns with big wins on Sunday as Orlando shocked the Detroit Pistons. The Thunder, trying to become the first team since Golden State in 2017 and 2018 to repeat as champions, routed the Phoenix Suns 119-84. The Celtics, seeded second in the Eastern Conference behind Detroit, dominated the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91, but the Pistons trailed all the way in a 112-101 loss to the Magic. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP, scored 25 points, connecting on just five of 18 from the field but drilling 15 of his 17 free throw attempts for Oklahoma City. Also Read - PCB appoints Sarfaraz Ahmed as Test head coach; Shafiq, Umar Gul given key roles He added seven assists and two blocked shots before sitting out the entire fourth quarter. Jalen Williams added 22 points and Chet Holmgren scored 16 for the Thunder, who wasted no time in seizing control in game one of their best-of-seven Western Conference series in front of a revved-up crowd at the Paycom Center. Devin Booker scored 23 points for Phoenix but the Suns, who scraped through the play-in to claim the Western Conference eighth seed, were largely helpless against a Thunder team that amassed the best record in the league with 64 regular-season wins. "It was a great defensive performance," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. "I thought the guys were really competitive, played on a string, great communication, covered for each other. (It) wasn't perfect, but we had each other's backs. "We forced them to earn everything." While the well-rested Thunder came out firing, the Pistons looked rusty after having a week off and the Magic, who beat Charlotte on Friday to secure their playoff spot, took full advantage. Paolo Banchero scored 23 points and Franz Wagner scored 11 of his 19 in the fourth quarter as the Magic withstood a 39-point performance from Pistons star Cade Cunningham. Detroit trailed by as many as 13 in the first quarter and by 11 early in the third. A Cunningham three-pointer tied it with 7:04 left in the third, but the Magic pulled away again. "I liked our composure the whole game, our energy," Wagner said after the Magic handed the Pistons an 11th straight home playoff defeat, a skid dating back to 2008. 'Incredible feeling' In Boston, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 51 points as the Celtics led wire to wire against the Sixers, who have lost their last six post-season series against Boston. Tatum led the charge, racking up 21 of his 25 points in the first half. Brown poured in 16 of his 26 in the third quarter alone. "It's an incredible feeling," said Tatum, whose unexpected late-season return from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in last year's playoffs has plenty of pundits picking Boston, not Detroit, to emerge from the East. "Not too long ago I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to play this season, let alone get an opportunity to play in the playoffs," Tatum said. The San Antonio Spurs -- with Victor Wembanyama getting his first taste of NBA playoff action -- hosted the Portland Trail Blazers in the day's final game.

The Thunder, trying to become the first team since Golden State in 2017 and 2018 to repeat as champions, routed the Phoenix Suns 119-84. The Celtics, 2nd seed in the East Conference behind Detroit, dominated the 76ers 123-91, but the Pistons trailed all the way in a 112-101 loss to the Magic.

NBA Playoffs: Thunder, Celtics start with a win but Pistons lose to Magic

The Washington Wizards, the team dead last in the Eastern Conference with 17-59 win-loss record, found another reason to offend the fans, whatever is left of them. The latest episode happened on April Fools' day when the Wizards threw a $10k half-court shot challenge only to fool the fans. After getting a lot of heat from online, the Wizards have apologized in a statement issued, calling the prank a scripted skit with all parties involved already aware of it. But the question remains: Was it really necessary to try and fool the fans who came to watch a 17-win team?Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/puka-nacua-lawsuit-attorney-says-rams-wr-entered-rehab-for-personal-growth-prior-to-anti-semitic-charges-1775194357459">NFL record-breaker WR Nacua enters rehab for ‘personal growth’ amid legal battle</a><h2>What was Washington Wizards' April Fools' day prank?</h2>During the Wednesday (Apr 1) night game at Capital One Arena against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Wizards brought on three fans for a half-court shot blindfolded. The winner of the challenge was promised a $10,000 cheque. All the three fans failed but the Wizards pretended that the last fans made the shot and hyped him, even presenting him with the ceremonial cheque, only to reveal later that it was a prank. Have a look at the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The Wizards played an April Fools prank on a fan by pretending he made a blindfolded half-court shot for $10,000 after two earlier contestants missed. He still ended up receiving an autographed jersey and courtside tickets for next season. This is the whole event, they made a… <a href="https://t.co/L5049uvcEB">pic.twitter.com/L5049uvcEB</a>&mdash; MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrBuckBuckNBA/status/2039542503389429855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What was Washington Wizards' April Fools' day prank?</h2>During the Wednesday (Apr 1) night game at Capital One Arena against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Wizards brought on three fans for a half-court shot blindfolded. The winner of the challenge was promised a $10,000 cheque. All the three fans failed but the Wizards pretended that the last fans made the shot and hyped him, even presenting him with the ceremonial cheque, only to reveal later that it was a prank. Have a look at the video below:&nbsp;

<h2>Criticism follows and comes the apology from the Wizards</h2>To do this to a fan that chose to come see a 17-win team is unhinged," the Atlantic's contributing reported Jemele Hill wrote on X in response to the challenge."This is so on-brand for the Wizards season," added former NFL executive turned analyst Andrew Brandt. "Finding new ways to offend their (few) fans."The Wizards then issued a statement apologizing for the stunt which read: "We apologize for last night’s April Fools’ joke that left many wondering if we had misled a fan. The skit involving our mascot and other members of our performance team was scripted and intended to celebrate the day. All participants were in on the joke, but we missed the mark."&nbsp;

The Wizards brought on three fans for a half-court shot blindfolded during Wednesday night's game against the 76ers. The winner of the challenge was promised a $10,000 cheque. After getting a lot of heat from online, the Wizards have apologized.

The Washington Wizards, the team dead last in the Eastern Conference with 17-59 win-loss record, found another reason to offend the fans, whatever is left of them. The latest episode happened on April Fools' day when the Wizards threw a $10k half-court shot challenge only to fool the fans. After getting a lot of heat from online, the Wizards have apologized in a statement issued, calling the prank a scripted skit with all parties involved already aware of it. But the question remains: Was it really necessary to try and fool the fans who came to watch a 17-win team? Also Read - NFL record-breaker WR Nacua enters rehab for ‘personal growth’ amid legal battle What was Washington Wizards' April Fools' day prank? During the Wednesday (Apr 1) night game at Capital One Arena against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Wizards brought on three fans for a half-court shot blindfolded. The winner of the challenge was promised a $10,000 cheque. All the three fans failed but the Wizards pretended that the last fans made the shot and hyped him, even presenting him with the ceremonial cheque, only to reveal later that it was a prank. Have a look at the video below:

The Wizards brought on three fans for a half-court shot blindfolded during Wednesday night's game against the 76ers. The winner of the challenge was promised a $10,000 cheque. After getting a lot of heat from online, the Wizards have apologized.

April Fools' Day prank gone wrong: Wizards apologise for $10k half-court shot stunt

NBA's Chicago Bulls have let go fourth-year guard Jaden Ivey for his anit-LGBTQ comments. The decision was announced Monday (Mar 30) two months after getting him in a trade before February deadline. Ivery had first preaches his religion to the fans over the weekend in an Instagram Live before going one step ahead on Monday and criticising the league for supporting LGBTQ community and celebration of the Pride Month in the league. Ivey, son of Notre Dame women's basketball coach Niele Ivey, called NBA's celebration of LGBTQ community and Pride Month "unrighteousness." In another video rant, he questioned his wavining from the league.<h2>What did Ivey say about LGBTQ community?</h2>"The world proclaims LGBTQ, right?" Ivey said during the Instagram Live stream. "They proclaim Pride Month and the NBA does, too. They show it to the world. They say, 'Come join us for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness.' They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it on the streets. Unrighteousness."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-world-cup-2026-messi-set-to-play-for-argentina-he-ll-definitely-start-in-friendly-against-zambia-1774926795646">Football World Cup 2026 | Argentina's Messi to start against Zambia in friendly</a>In another such video hours after the decision of the Bulls waviving him, Ivey said: "[The Bulls] said my conduct is detrimental to the team. Why didn't they just say, 'We don't agree with his stance on LGBTQ'? Why didn't they say that? ... How is it conduct detrimental to the team? What did I do to the team? What did I do to the players?"<h2>Ivey's NBA career</h2>The Purdue graduate was overall 5th pick in NBA 2022 draft by the Detroit Pistons. He impressed in the first two seasons, playing 74 and 77 games, respectively and averaging 16.3 &amp; 15.4 points, 5.2 &amp; 3.8 assists as well as 3.9 &amp; 3.4 rebounds, per game. In the next two seasons, however, inuries marred him and he played only 63 regular season games across two years. For the Bulls, he has played only four games and averaged only 11.5 points.

Ivey, son of Notre Dame women's basketball coach Niele Ivey, called NBA's celebration of LGBTQ community and Pride Month "unrighteousness." In another video rant, he questioned his wavining from the league.

NBA's Chicago Bulls have let go fourth-year guard Jaden Ivey for his anit-LGBTQ comments. The decision was announced Monday (Mar 30) two months after getting him in a trade before February deadline. Ivery had first preaches his religion to the fans over the weekend in an Instagram Live before going one step ahead on Monday and criticising the league for supporting LGBTQ community and celebration of the Pride Month in the league. Ivey, son of Notre Dame women's basketball coach Niele Ivey, called NBA's celebration of LGBTQ community and Pride Month "unrighteousness." In another video rant, he questioned his wavining from the league. What did Ivey say about LGBTQ community? "The world proclaims LGBTQ, right?" Ivey said during the Instagram Live stream. "They proclaim Pride Month and the NBA does, too. They show it to the world. They say, 'Come join us for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness.' They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it on the streets. Unrighteousness." Also Read - Football World Cup 2026 | Argentina's Messi to start against Zambia in friendly In another such video hours after the decision of the Bulls waviving him, Ivey said: "[The Bulls] said my conduct is detrimental to the team. Why didn't they just say, 'We don't agree with his stance on LGBTQ'? Why didn't they say that? ... How is it conduct detrimental to the team? What did I do to the team? What did I do to the players?" Ivey's NBA career The Purdue graduate was overall 5th pick in NBA 2022 draft by the Detroit Pistons. He impressed in the first two seasons, playing 74 and 77 games, respectively and averaging 16.3 & 15.4 points, 5.2 & 3.8 assists as well as 3.9 & 3.4 rebounds, per game. In the next two seasons, however, inuries marred him and he played only 63 regular season games across two years. For the Bulls, he has played only four games and averaged only 11.5 points.

Ivey, son of Notre Dame women's basketball coach Niele Ivey, called NBA's celebration of LGBTQ community and Pride Month "unrighteousness." In another video rant, he questioned his wavining from the league.

'Celebrate unrighteousness': NBA's Chicago Bulls let go Jaden Ivey after anti-LGBTQ rant

The NBA Board of Governors voted on Wednesday to authorize the league to explore potential expansion teams for Las Vegas and Seattle that would bring the league to 32 clubs. The move is the first step in a lengthy process that could see new teams in Seattle, where the SuperSonics once played, and Las Vegas, which each year hosts NBA Summer League games involving young players. "Our goal was in 2026 to resolve this issue one way or another," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. "We need to know by the end of this calendar year what it is that we're doing."It's a multi-year process, Silver stressed, that could result in one or two new NBA clubs or none at all.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-tennis-feels-complicated-iga-swaitek-feels-pressure-of-own-success-after-miami-open-exit-1774404568508">'Tennis feels complicated': Swaitek on pressure of success post Miami Open exit</a>"At the earliest we would have new teams coming into the league in the '28-'29 season," Silver said."If we do move forward, I don't think there's going to be any concern about the quality of the competition."The NBA engaged investment bank PJT Partners as a strategic adviser to evaluate markets, ownership groups, arena infrastructure and economic implications of two new teams."We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties," Silver said.It would take approval by 23 of the NBA's 30 governors to pass any motion on adding new teams."There was a discussion about dilution economically and dilution talent-wise," Silver said. "It's my view we have ample talent to fill 32 competitive teams."Team values have skyrocketed in recent years with the price tag for a new club expected to be around $7 billion to $10 billion."I'm not going to speculate on prices," Silver said. "The market will determine the value of these teams and we'll decide whether or not to move forward. I expect there will be robust interest in these teams."We did not discuss franchise value per se in these meetings. We have a sense of where we think that value exists."The Phoenix Suns were sold in 2022 for $4 billion. The Boston Celtics were sold last year for $6.1 billion and the Los Angeles Lakers were sold last year for $10 billion -- the highest-ever price paid for a US sports team.Silver said there were no "concerns" by team owners about selling league equity."There weren't concerns," Silver said. "There are some owners who felt we just frankly don't need to expand. They felt we're in a very solid place with the 30-team league we have now."I wouldn't put that in the category of concern. It more went in the category of considerations."The NBA last expanded to Charlotte in 2004."There's absolutely a chance that expansion will not happen. That's why we said we're exploring markets," Silver said. "Where the uncertainly lies is in instability outside the league."Silver said that unlike past expansions open to many markets, the league was focused on Seattle and Las Vegas."There are some other great markets that could host NBA franchises. This time around, the focus was on these two markets," Silver said, calling them "unique" in supporting the league.<h2>Sporting hotbeds</h2>Should Seattle and Las Vegas land expansion teams, either Memphis or Minnesota would likely shift from the Western Conference to the Eastern Conference to give each 16 clubs.The Seattle SuperSonics joined the NBA in 1967 and won the city's only NBA title in 1979 before moving to Oklahoma City in 2008 and winning last year's NBA crown.Las Vegas hosts many sporting events, including a Formula One race and USA Basketball training camps.Both cities landed successful NHL expansion teams in the past decade. Each has an NFL team and both will have MLB clubs when a new Vegas stadium opens for the former Oakland Athletics in 2028.

The move is the first step in a lengthy process that could see new teams in Seattle, where the SuperSonics once played, and Las Vegas, which each year hosts NBA Summer League games involving young players.

The NBA Board of Governors voted on Wednesday to authorize the league to explore potential expansion teams for Las Vegas and Seattle that would bring the league to 32 clubs. The move is the first step in a lengthy process that could see new teams in Seattle, where the SuperSonics once played, and Las Vegas, which each year hosts NBA Summer League games involving young players. "Our goal was in 2026 to resolve this issue one way or another," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. "We need to know by the end of this calendar year what it is that we're doing." It's a multi-year process, Silver stressed, that could result in one or two new NBA clubs or none at all. Also Read - 'Tennis feels complicated': Swaitek on pressure of success post Miami Open exit "At the earliest we would have new teams coming into the league in the '28-'29 season," Silver said. "If we do move forward, I don't think there's going to be any concern about the quality of the competition." The NBA engaged investment bank PJT Partners as a strategic adviser to evaluate markets, ownership groups, arena infrastructure and economic implications of two new teams. "We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties," Silver said. It would take approval by 23 of the NBA's 30 governors to pass any motion on adding new teams. "There was a discussion about dilution economically and dilution talent-wise," Silver said. "It's my view we have ample talent to fill 32 competitive teams." Team values have skyrocketed in recent years with the price tag for a new club expected to be around $7 billion to $10 billion. "I'm not going to speculate on prices," Silver said. "The market will determine the value of these teams and we'll decide whether or not to move forward. I expect there will be robust interest in these teams. "We did not discuss franchise value per se in these meetings. We have a sense of where we think that value exists." The Phoenix Suns were sold in 2022 for $4 billion. The Boston Celtics were sold last year for $6.1 billion and the Los Angeles Lakers were sold last year for $10 billion -- the highest-ever price paid for a US sports team. Silver said there were no "concerns" by team owners about selling league equity. "There weren't concerns," Silver said. "There are some owners who felt we just frankly don't need to expand. They felt we're in a very solid place with the 30-team league we have now. "I wouldn't put that in the category of concern. It more went in the category of considerations." The NBA last expanded to Charlotte in 2004. "There's absolutely a chance that expansion will not happen. That's why we said we're exploring markets," Silver said. "Where the uncertainly lies is in instability outside the league." Silver said that unlike past expansions open to many markets, the league was focused on Seattle and Las Vegas. "There are some other great markets that could host NBA franchises. This time around, the focus was on these two markets," Silver said, calling them "unique" in supporting the league. Sporting hotbeds Should Seattle and Las Vegas land expansion teams, either Memphis or Minnesota would likely shift from the Western Conference to the Eastern Conference to give each 16 clubs. The Seattle SuperSonics joined the NBA in 1967 and won the city's only NBA title in 1979 before moving to Oklahoma City in 2008 and winning last year's NBA crown. Las Vegas hosts many sporting events, including a Formula One race and USA Basketball training camps. Both cities landed successful NHL expansion teams in the past decade. Each has an NFL team and both will have MLB clubs when a new Vegas stadium opens for the former Oakland Athletics in 2028.

The move is the first step in a lengthy process that could see new teams in Seattle, where the SuperSonics once played, and Las Vegas, which each year hosts NBA Summer League games involving young players.

NBA owners approve league to explore expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle

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New York Knicks reach maiden NBA Finals since 1999

NBA | Orlando Magic fire coach Jamahl Mosley after first round exit in playoffs

NBA Playoffs: Thunder, Celtics start with a win but Pistons lose to Magic

April Fools' Day prank gone wrong: Wizards apologise for $10k shot stunt

NBA's Chicago Bulls let go Jaden Ivey after anti-LGBTQ rant

NBA owners approve league to explore expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle