The NBA is close to selecting ownership for a planned expansion franchise in Las Vegas, with a decision expected "in the very near future," according to an ESPN report cited by multiple outlets.
The combined cost of the franchise rights and a new arena is expected to exceed $12 billion to $13 billion.
Bidding has reportedly been narrowed to three finalist groups. The New York Post named the groups, according to ESPN, as Nancy Walton Laurie and Bill Laurie, and Steve Apostolopoulos and Marc (unspecified further in available reporting).
Las Vegas currently has no NBA franchise, despite already hosting the NFL's Raiders and an incoming MLB franchise, according to Yahoo Sports.
How each side covered it
Center
- Yahoo Sports and CBS Sports both reported the NBA could pick new Las Vegas owners "in the very near future."
- Both outlets cited the $12-13 billion combined price tag for the franchise and a new arena.
- Yahoo Sports noted Las Vegas already hosts the NFL's Raiders and will soon get an MLB team but has never had an NBA franchise.
“NBA close to picking new $12-13bn Vegas team owners: report” — Yahoo Sports
Right
- The Daily Caller and New York Post both reported the bidding has been narrowed to three finalist ownership groups.
- The New York Post named specific bidders, including Nancy Walton Laurie, Bill Laurie, and Steve Apostolopoulos.
- The Daily Caller described the future franchise as poised to be "iconic."
“The NBA plans to select the winning bid for owner of the Las Vegas expansion team “in the very near future.”” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What happened with the NBA and Las Vegas?
The NBA is reportedly close to selecting ownership for a new expansion franchise in Las Vegas, with a decision expected soon, according to an ESPN report cited by multiple outlets.
How much will the new Las Vegas NBA team cost?
The franchise rights plus a new arena are expected to cost a combined $12 billion to $13 billion, according to ESPN.
How many ownership groups are competing for the team?
Bidding has reportedly been narrowed to three finalist ownership groups, according to ESPN.
Does Las Vegas already have an NBA team?
No. Las Vegas has never had its own NBA franchise, though it is home to the NFL's Raiders and will soon welcome an MLB team, according to Yahoo Sports.
Who are the finalists for the Las Vegas NBA franchise?
The New York Post reported, citing ESPN, that one finalist group includes Nancy Walton Laurie and Bill Laurie, alongside a group led by Steve Apostolopoulos and a partner identified only as Marc; a third finalist group was not detailed in available reporting.
Sources · 4 outlet reports
- CBS SportsCenterNBA nearing ownership choice for new Las Vegas franchise with total costs expected to exceed $12-13 billion
- Yahoo SportsCenterNBA reportedly close to selecting winning bid for Las Vegas expansion team, has 3 finalist groups
- New York PostRight-leaningNBA will select winning bid for Las Vegas expansion team ‘in near future’
- The Daily CallerRight-leaningNBA Down To Three Ownership Finalists For What Will Be Iconic Franchise: REPORT