By Ed Condran
It’s only a matter of time until Las Vegas adds an NBA team and all four major sports will be played within the city limits. The odds are that Seattle and Las Vegas will be the two next cities to join or, in the former’s case, rejoin the NBA.
Just before the second Emirates NBA Cup commenced at T-Mobile Arena in December, Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley said he wants to bring an NBA team to Las Vegas.
Foley said he has had no formal contact with the NBA but is one of the potential owners of a prospective Las Vegas NBA franchise.
“They know who we are,” Foley said. “We’re one of several that has a group that’s been put together, so we have the money.”
Foley, who owns a piece of T-Mobile Arena, believes the venue would need to make adjustments. Some ownership groups believe a prospective NBA team needs a new arena.
Foley scoffs at that concept. He said his group has a $300 million plan to alter T-Mobile Arena.
Foley knows what it takes to succeed. It’s been a tremendous ride so far for the Golden Knights and the team’s fans. There has been no NHL expansion franchise that has ever been as successful out of the gate as the Golden Knights.
Not only has the franchise won a Stanley Cup, but it’s been remarkably consistent. The dynamic team is led by gifted stars Mark Stone, Tomas Hertl and Jack Eichel.
It has set the pace in the Western Conference for much of the season along with the Minnesota Wild and Winnipeg Jets.
Foley is doing something right since there is a tangible home ice advantage. The Golden Knights play to capacity crowds, and the environment is among the most electric in the NHL.
Some pundits were skeptical about the support a team in the desert would receive. That’s not surprising considering the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes failed in the Valley of the Sun.
The franchise is now the Utah Hockey Club, which has inexplicably yet to receive a moniker.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has certainly noticed how successful the Golden Knights are and how well the NBA Cup has gone over in Las Vegas. An NBA team is on the horizon.
The only question is whether the future franchise plays the Strip before the Athletics finally leave Sacramento for Las Vegas.
Meantime, fans can enjoy the lone tenant at T-Mobile Arena who are looking once again like a top-tier team. Foley has proven he can helm a winner. Will Foley and Las Vegas receive an NBA franchise. And if so, will it be successful? Stay tuned.
