As I watched the Crossovers secure their third victory with a decisive 25-12, 25-23, 20-25, 25-22 performance against the High Speed Hitters at Smart Araneta Coliseum last Tuesday, it struck me how basketball fever continues to sweep across non-traditional markets. Having covered the NBA's global expansion for over a decade, I've witnessed commissioner Adam Silver's careful approach to adding new franchises - and frankly, I believe we're approaching a tipping point. The league hasn't expanded since 2004 when Charlotte got the Bobcats (now Hornets), making this 20-year drought the longest in modern NBA history.

Seattle remains the obvious frontrunner, and personally, I'd be shocked if they aren't at the top of the expansion list. The city's basketball history and the renovated Climate Pledge Arena create a perfect storm for franchise success. I've spoken with several league executives who privately confirm what we all suspect - Seattle's return is practically inevitable. The SuperSonics brand legacy and the Pacific Northwest's growing tech economy make it the safest bet for what I estimate would be a $3.2 billion expansion fee. Las Vegas represents another compelling candidate, with the NBA already testing the waters through summer league success and the upcoming In-Season Tournament finals. Having attended games at T-Mobile Arena, I can attest to the city's ability to support major professional sports beyond the Raiders and Golden Knights. The corporate sponsorship opportunities here are arguably better than in several existing NBA markets.

What fascinates me more are the dark horse candidates. Mexico City keeps popping up in expansion conversations, and while the logistical challenges are real, the league's growing Latino fanbase makes this strategically brilliant. I've crunched the attendance numbers from preseason games there - they consistently sell out the 22,300-seat Arena Ciudad de México, often with fans paying premium prices that would make Madison Square Garden blush. Kansas City represents another intriguing possibility with their sparkling new T-Mobile Center sitting mostly empty. Having visited the facility multiple times, I can confirm it's NBA-ready and frankly superior to several current NBA arenas. The Midwest could easily support another franchise given the regional loyalty I've observed across Missouri and neighboring states.

The financial mechanics of expansion have become increasingly complex. While some owners worry about diluting revenue sharing, I believe the upfront expansion fees - potentially reaching $4 billion per team - would immediately distribute approximately $260 million to each existing franchise. That's an enormous windfall that makes expansion increasingly attractive for current owners. The global media rights deals, particularly the upcoming $75 billion international broadcast package, create additional pressure to expand the league's footprint into new time zones and markets.

Looking at the broader landscape, I'm convinced we'll see two new teams by 2028, with Seattle and Las Vegas as the most likely pairing. The league's careful cultivation of these markets through events like the NBA Summer League and preseason games demonstrates a clear testing strategy. Having spoken with arena developers in both cities, the infrastructure pieces are quietly falling into place. While purists might argue about diluting talent, I've watched enough international basketball to know the global player pool is deeper than ever. The Crossovers' victory in Manila reminds us that basketball passion exists worldwide, and the NBA's next expansion phase should reflect that global reality. The league's future isn't just about adding American cities - it's about capturing the world's growing basketball obsession.