LAS VEGAS — The NBA’s long-discussed expansion into Las Vegas is reportedly reaching the financial stage where prospective owners may simply be asked whether they already possess a small country.
Recent estimates have suggested a successful ownership group could need roughly $12 billion to $13 billion when franchise fees, arena costs and other expenses are included.
League officials consider this encouraging.
“It shows strong interest,” one fictional NBA executive said. “Mostly from people whose accountants have accountants.”
Several high-profile names have already been connected to potential Vegas groups, while investors continue assembling increasingly complicated partnerships designed to answer one simple question:
Who has twelve billion dollars lying around?
The NBA has not officially awarded Las Vegas a franchise, but the expected price has already transformed expansion from a basketball discussion into something closer to sovereign wealth negotiations.
Prospective bidders have reportedly been asked to provide proof of funds, arena plans and confirmation that purchasing the team will not noticeably affect their lifestyle.
The winning group would receive an NBA franchise, a major-market destination and the privilege of spending several additional billion dollars constructing everything around it.
League officials insist the numbers remain preliminary.
Vegas remains optimistic.
After all, if there is one city specifically designed around the idea that somebody might suddenly have $13 billion available, it is probably this one.
