© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PHOENIX – The recent NBA expansion talks have centered on nostalgia and spectacle as the Seattle and Las Vegas markets are being eyed to bring NBA teams to their cities. But for the Phoenix Suns, this conversation lands closer to home, and harder, than it might seem.
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Dec 16, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; A general overall view of the T-Mobile Arena, the site of the Emirates NBA Cup Final between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs . Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
What a possible NBA expansion could look like:
The NBA Board of Governors is likely to vote this summer on expanding the league by two teams, per @townbrad.
Las Vegas and Seattle are considered the favored cities. pic.twitter.com/VVYJByhQEA
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 9, 2026
If the league adds two Western-based franchises, balance becomes unavoidable. Memphis and New Orleans, geographically closer to the East and frequent road-warriors, are the most logical candidates to shift conferences. Though, where does that leave the Suns, and would any of the divisions be affected?
Jan 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) celebrates with teammates Devin Booker (1) and Jordan Goodwin (23) against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Here’s where Phoenix feels it. Adding Seattle and Las Vegas likely triggers a Pacific Division rethink. The Suns, already sharing space with the Lakers, Warriors, Clippers, and Kings, could suddenly find themselves with a new nearby rival. Vegas, in particular, fits the NBA’s modern identity with entertainment-driven, owner-aggressive, and immediately relevant. The Golden Knights and Raiders proved that expansion teams can skip the rebuild phase entirely. That matters. Adding another West Coast hub could either reduce the Suns’ travel or intensify divisional competition. Either way, margins tighten.
Oct 5, 2018; Seattle, WA, USA; Former Seattle Supersonics forward Detlef Schremph (11) shows off a Sonics t-shirt during a pregame between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors at KeyArena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle’s return heals an old wound, and Vegas represents the league’s future. Phoenix sits in between as an established contender navigating a league that’s getting bigger, louder, and less forgiving.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
Suns’ Jalen Green emotionally speaks on recent injury frustrations
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
