LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nevada’s congressional delegation sent a letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver urging the league to select Las Vegas as a site for a future franchise.
The letter, dated March 19, 2026, was signed by Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, along with Reps. Dina Titus, Mark Amodei, Susie Lee and Steven Horsford. The lawmakers urged Silver to consider Las Vegas’ 20-year partnership with the NBA through hosting the Summer League and NBA Cup championships.
“As you consider the future of the NBA, we strongly urge you to build on the League’s local momentum by selecting Las Vegas as a site for a future league franchise,” the letter reads in part.
The delegation also highlighted Las Vegas’ growing reputation as a premier sporting destination, with Super Bowl LVIII, multiple Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix events, the National Finals Rodeo, WrestleMania 41 and 42, and becoming home for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The letter also highlighted other expansion teams in the city that have had “significant support and success,” including the NFL’s Raiders, the WNBA’s three-time championship-winning Aces, and the NHL’s Golden Knights who brought home the Stanley Cup in 2023.
The city is scheduled to host the NCAA College Football Playoff Championship in 2027 and the 2028 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four.
“We are also very proud to claim not only the Aces, but also the rich basketball history in the state,” the letter continued. “This history stems from the 1913 men’s basketball program establishment at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), and the 1958 basketball program establishment at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). “
The lawmakers highlighted UNR’s 23 conference championships and two NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteens, alongside UNLV’s 12 conference titles and four NCAA tournament Final Fours, including the legendary 1990 national championship lineup filled with NBA talent.
The delegation said Las Vegas’ hospitality infrastructure, world-class venues and basketball fan base position the city to host a new NBA franchise. The letter said expanding to Las Vegas would strengthen the league’s standing domestically and internationally.
“We appreciate the relationship Nevada already has with the NBA and look forward to expanding it further. Please continue to give our community the strong consideration it deserves.”
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