Daniel Iriarte
Chepe Zazueta
Mexico City Emerges as Option for NBA Franchise
The possibility of Mexico having an NBA team for the first time has gained momentum, after Mexico City appeared as an alternative within the league's expansion plans, which seeks to grow from 30 to 32 franchises.
During the game between the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers, played on November 7th at the Mexico City Arena, Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged that Mexican businessmen have approached the organization to explore the possibility of establishing a team in the country.
The Mexican capital has gained attention amidst doubts surrounding the economic proposals from Seattle, a city that for years has been considered one of the main candidates to regain an NBA franchise. Furthermore, ESPN reported that a group of investors from Mexico City presented a proposal to PJT Partners, the firm in charge of evaluating expansion projects.
Although Mexican interest represents a new possibility for the league's future, there is still no official decision regarding the incorporation of a franchise in the country. For now, Las Vegas and Seattle continue to be the priority markets within the NBA's evaluation process.
