Report: NBA close to picking Las Vegas owner in $12 billion-plus deal

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026 | 2:03 p.m. NBA nears decision on Las Vegas expansion franchise owner, ESPN reports. The league is close to selecting an ownership group for its planned Las Vegas team, according to an ESPN report published today. The anticipated price tag — combining the franchise fee and construction of a new arena — is projected to reach no less than $12 billion and could climb to $13 billion. ESPN identified three finalists vying for the opportunity. The first consortium features Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie and her spouse, Bill Laurie. The second pairs Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos with former Milwaukee Bucks co‑owner Marc Lasry. The third brings together Vegas Golden Knights proprietor Bill Foley and ex‑Phoenix Suns executive Jerry Colangelo. Approval of the expansion is expected by the close of December, with the new club potentially taking the floor for the 2028‑29 season. Simultaneously, Seattle is anticipated to return to the NBA, which would increase the league’s total to 32 franchises.