MGM CEO: T-Mobile Arena Could Host NBA Expansion Team as Early as 2028

MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle says all NBA expansion bidders are being positioned around T-Mobile Arena, with the league eyeing a 2028 start.

MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle confirmed Wednesday that T-Mobile Arena is at the center of ongoing NBA expansion discussions for Las Vegas, telling investors on a quarterly earnings call that the league has expressed interest in hosting a team as early as 2028. Hornbuckle said MGM is working with arena partners AEG and Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley to position the venue for any and all potential bidders.

T-Mobile Arena Positioned for NBA Expansion Bidders

Speaking on a quarterly earnings call Wednesday, Hornbuckle addressed how MGM is approaching the prospect of an NBA franchise landing in Las Vegas. 'We have been asked how we would position T-Mobile for any and all bidders, and we are working on that with our partners at AEG and Bill Foley,' he said. 'We are open to all comers, and there has been extensive interest in Las Vegas.'

Hornbuckle indicated that T-Mobile Arena could serve as either a short-term or long-term home for a future franchise. 'T-Mobile is part of that conversation,' he said. 'Whether short-term or long-term, all roads lead to it for now because the league has expressed interest to host a team as early as 2028.'

NDAs and a 2027 Timeline for Resolution

When pressed on MGM's broader strategy around NBA expansion, Hornbuckle was deliberately vague about specifics. 'I am already under three NDAs,' he joked, declining to elaborate further on the details of ongoing negotiations.

Despite the confidentiality constraints, Hornbuckle said he hopes to have a resolution by early 2027. He made clear that the ultimate decision rests with the NBA itself, not with MGM or the arena's ownership group. 'We are excited. How could we not be?' he said. 'We have all seen the success and what it means to Las Vegas when these sports teams come.'

Arena Ownership and NBA Tournament History

T-Mobile Arena, located across from New York-New York and Park MGM, opened in 2016 and has served as the home of the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights. AEG and MGM each hold a 42.5% ownership stake in the arena, while Foley owns the remaining 15%. MGM is responsible for arena operations.

The venue has already demonstrated its capacity to host high-profile NBA events. T-Mobile Arena served as the site of the last three NBA in-season tournament semifinals and championship games, giving the league firsthand experience with the facility ahead of any potential expansion decision.

The Golden Knights, meanwhile, remain active at T-Mobile Arena. The team overcame a blown lead, forced overtime, and scored twice in the extra frame to win Game 4 in Utah, evening their playoff series before returning home to the arena.

Las Vegas NBA Expansion: What It Could Mean for the City

Hornbuckle's comments reflect a broader momentum around professional sports in Las Vegas. The city has seen significant growth in its major sports footprint in recent years, and the prospect of an NBA franchise represents another potential milestone.

The CEO's remarks suggest that MGM views NBA expansion not merely as a real estate or venue question, but as part of the company's larger strategic positioning in Las Vegas. With multiple non-disclosure agreements already in place, the scope of conversations between the league, potential ownership groups, and venue stakeholders appears to be substantial.

What we know

• MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle confirmed on a quarterly earnings call Wednesday that T-Mobile Arena is being positioned for NBA expansion bidders.
• The NBA has expressed interest in hosting a Las Vegas expansion team as early as 2028, according to Hornbuckle.
• Hornbuckle said he hopes to have a resolution on NBA expansion by early 2027.
• AEG and MGM each own a 42.5% stake in T-Mobile Arena, with Bill Foley owning the remaining 15%; MGM handles operations.
• T-Mobile Arena opened in 2016, is located across from New York-New York and Park MGM, and has hosted the last three NBA in-season tournament semifinals and championship games.
• Hornbuckle said he is already under three NDAs related to the NBA expansion discussions.
• The Golden Knights won Game 4 in Utah, scoring twice in overtime to even their playoff series before returning to T-Mobile Arena.

Why it matters

Las Vegas has rapidly evolved into one of North America's premier professional sports markets, and an NBA franchise would mark another landmark addition. T-Mobile Arena's central Strip location — flanked by Park MGM and New York-New York — and its existing track record hosting NBA in-season tournament games make it a credible candidate for a permanent or transitional home. For MGM Resorts, which co-owns and operates the arena, landing an NBA tenant would further cement the company's role as a cornerstone of Las Vegas sports infrastructure.

What’s next

Hornbuckle said he hopes to have a resolution on the NBA expansion question by early 2027. The league has expressed interest in placing a team in Las Vegas as early as 2028. MGM continues to work with arena co-owners AEG and Bill Foley to position T-Mobile Arena for potential bidders, though the final expansion decision rests with the NBA.

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