Graney: Knights owner, Colangelo seem the perfect marriage for NBA team

Jerry Colangelo and Bill Foley are joining forces to pursue an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas, aiming to invest between $12 billion and $13 billion in the venture. Foley, whose Golden Knights have become a model of success in the NHL, opened the franchise’s 10th season on Tuesday night at T‑Mobile Arena with a win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Under his leadership the Knights have consistently posted winning records, demonstrating a deep understanding of the Las Vegas sports market. Colangelo brings comparable expertise from his tenure as former owner of the Phoenix Suns and his role as a four‑time NBA Executive of the Year. Since 2009 he has served as president of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a position that underscores his extensive league connections and operational knowledge. His experience navigating a competitive sports landscape equips him to assess the challenges of launching an NBA franchise in a city already saturated with professional teams. The partnership leverages Foley’s proven ability to build a winning culture and Colangelo’s deep basketball acumen. As Chris Baldwin, a Knights season‑ticket holder since the inaugural season, explained, “He has been terrific,” said Chris Baldwin, a Knights’ season-ticket holder since time 1. “I mightiness not beryllium a large hoops fan, but I’m a large Bill Foley fan. He broke the seal present connected (major league) nonrecreational sports. He was the 1 who took the gamble erstwhile they said determination wouldn’t beryllium capable radical successful Vegas to capable the seats.” “He has done an unthinkable job. It wouldn’t astonishment maine astatine each if helium wasn’t besides large with the NBA. He brings a full acceptable of class. I can’t judge it has been 10 years (for the Knights). It seems to person gone by truthful quickly. But it’s been truthful good.” Observers note that the Knights’ rapid rise—achieving playoff contention within a decade—sets a benchmark any NBA expansion effort would need to match or exceed. The familiarity Foley has with T‑Mobile Arena, including its existing infrastructure and potential upgrades, could smooth the transition for a basketball team looking to call the venue home, at least temporarily, while a permanent facility is explored. Combining Colangelo’s executive pedigree with Foley’s track record of turning a nascent franchise into a market leader presents a compelling case for NBA owners weighing Las Vegas as a destination for expansion. The duo’s collective experience suggests few drawbacks to the collaboration, positioning them as strong candidates to bring an NBA club to the city.