NBA commissioner Adam Silver used the State of the Game address before Game 1 of the 2026 Finals to announce that the league is moving ahead with expansion bids in Seattle, Las Vegas and a yet‑unnamed European city. He also introduced a "3‑2‑1" draft lottery system and warned that the Aspiration scandal investigation is being treated as a top priority.

Seattle, Las Vegas and Europe: Three New Markets Targeted

Silver said the league will evaluate expansion proposals for Seattle and Las Vegas alongside a historic push into Europe, marking the first time the NBA has formally considered a trans‑Atlantic franchise. The Seattle market, which lost the SuperSonics in 2008, has generated renewed fan interest, while Las Vegas is seen as a tourism‑driven growth engine. the European bid, according to the commissioner, has attracted "record interest" from potential owners, suggesting a strong appetite for basketball beyond North America.

According to the State of the Game address,the league will assess each market on criteria that include arena readiness, ownership financial strength and the ability to sustain competitive balance. Silver emphasized that any new team must adhere to the same salary‑cap and revenue‑sharing rules that govern existing franchises.

The "3‑2‑1" Draft Lottery Reform Explained

Silver introduced a new lottery format that will allocate the top three picks based on a 3‑2‑1 weighting, aiming to reduce the incentive for teams to tank. Under the plan, the team with the worst record receives a 3‑point chance, the second‑worst a 2‑point chance, and the third‑worst a single point, with the remaining lottery spots drawn from the rest of the leaague.

"There is no incentive to be bad in the NBA," Silver asserted, noting that the reform aligns draft equity with on‑court performance. The commissioner said the change will be tested in the 2026 draft and could be refined based on data from the first two seasons.

Aspiration Scandal Investigation Accelerates

The commissioner warned that the league’s probe into the Aspiration scandal – allegations of illicit player recruitment and financial misconduct – is moving at "urgency" after several whistleblowers came forward. silver pledged full cooperation with law‑enforcement agencies and promised transparency in the findings.

As reported in the address, the investigation has already resulted in the suspension of two front‑office executives pending further review. Silver stressed that the league will not tolerate any behavior that undermines the integrity of the game.

Who Will Own the NBA Europe Franchise?

While interest in the European franchise is high, Silver did not disclose any names of prospective owners, leaving a key question unanswered. Potential investors from the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany have reportedly expressed curiosity, but the league has yet to confirm any formal bids.

Industry observers note that securing a financially robust ownership group will be crucial for the league’s long‑term success on the continent, especially given the logistical challenges of travel and scheduling.

What Remains Unclear About the Expansion Timeline?

Silver outlined a roadmap that could see an expansion team debut as early as the 2028‑29 season, yet the exact timeline depends on arena construction and regulatory approvals. The commissioner also hinted that the European market might require a separate timeline due to cross‑border legal considerations.

Further details on the selection process for Seattle and Las Vegas will be released later this year, according to the commissioner’s remarks.