Las Vegas already has an NHL team and could have an NFL in the very near future, so why not try to go full circle and add the NBA to the mix?
Jim Murren, the CEO of MGM Resorts International has stated that he is actively pursuing an NBA franchise to call the T-Mobile Arena home. In an interview last week with the Review-Journal, Murren said he prefer Las Vegas franchise be a relocated team not an expansion team.
Murren did not elaborate on the possible teams he was pursuing and an MGM spokesman said that there will be no further comment on the matter at this time.
Las Vegas will have its first major sports team when the NHL team opens play in next year. Additionally, the NFL’s Oakland Raiders will be submitting a relocation request in January after the Nevada Legislature approved funding for a 65,000 seat dome.
NBA spokesman Mike Bass stated that there are no teams planning to relocate and commissioner Adam Silver stated back in July at the Board of Governors Meeting that there are no relocation or expansion plans.
However, expansion could be back on the table once a new collective bargaining agreement is signed. The league already has a presence in Sin City having hosted All-Star weekend in 2007 and hosting the Summer League each year. The T-Mobile Arena hosted two Lakers preseason games just this month.
