Fans and certain NBA entities have been bracing themselves for it – a new NBA team is undoubtedly in the works. Where is the big Q. Initially, one city was the strongest contender in gaining a team – Las Vegas. They hosted the NBA Cup twice, but it’s still missing an NBA team while the Aces are the representative basketball stars. At least Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James have been keen on bringing the expansion team to the entertainment capital. Shaq’s been shopping around for a possible partner. Let’s leave it to Adam Silver and put the brakes on his plans.

The NBA is looking to grow globally in its immediate future. When Mexico City was hosting the Wizards and Heat for a game in November, Silver said he bumped into Wizards owner, Ted Leonsis. “The first thing he said to me was, we should have a team in Mexico City.”

Adam Silver though said last month that an international team is not the priority over a domestic team but said “In many ways, Mexico City would be more additive.” He further said, “Flipping a switch in a country of 130 million people and 22 million people here in Mexico City. And so not just from a business standpoint, but in terms of generating more interest and enthusiasm around the game. So we’re going to continue to study it.”

Much like the way the NBA directed Isiah Thomas and resources to Toronto to grow the Raptors in the ’90s, Mexico City could have its own NBA team. And yes, he said a domestic team is a priority, but Mexico City’s market and the insane popularity of basketball here might change that.

Right now, Las Vegas competes with Seattle regaining a team after the Supersonics left. However, Silver said that if someone told the league, there was a city with better potential (the way OKC acquired Thunder from Seattle after temporarily hosting the New Orleans Hornets following Hurricane Katrina), they could change their mind.

But Shaq is not concerned about Seattle or any other city. Sin City is his second home, and he wants to own a team from Las Vegas.

Shaquille O’Neal’s dreams threatened by a bigger market

There are two NBA stars sending hints to Adam Silver they want the NBA expansion team in Las Vegas. Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James have been open about their team ownership dreams since 2022. However, Shaq previously didn’t want to partner with anyone. He owns multiple franchise businesses in Vegas, founded Big Chicken here, has Shaq’s Fantasy Labs here, and will build a $16 million youth facility in a couple of years.

But as the expansion plans pick up pace, O’Neal’s stance has changed. With Mark Cuban on The Big Podcast, he was ready to tap into the former Mavs majority owner’s experience. When Cuban asked if he’d be open to adding James to their ownership group, Shaq said, “To answer your question, I would love to go in with LeBron.”

James has never spoken about collaborating with anyone, though. Shaq, however, brings up the NBA expansion whenever he can. He even confirmed with Silver at the NBA Cup in 2023 that Vegas is one of the top options.

His dream, though, is under threat because of a new market blindsiding him. Shaquille O’Neal himself has experienced the basketball mania in Mexico during his recent trip there. Or perhaps he can be in charge of the expansion the way Isiah Thomas once was.