Las Vegas Jacks Eye NBA Expansion After Years of Planning

Key Figures Driving the Expansion Bid

The ownership consortium assembled by the Las Vegas Jacks has been quietly preparing a proposal for a Southern Nevada NBA franchise since early 2024. The group includes basketball luminaries such as former NBA owner Jerry Colangelo and former player‑coach Vinny Del Negro. Other power players are Prime Capital Financial’s chairman Scott Colangelo, media executive David Levy, American Century Investments’ CEO Jonathan Thomas, and ESPN analyst Jay Williams.

Timeline From Early Work to Public Announcement

According to insider sources, the team’s groundwork began in January 2024, giving the owners more than a year to refine their concept. The group officially unveiled its intention to pursue an NBA expansion team this month, marking the public culmination of that effort. This extended preparation mirrors the deliberate pacing typical of past NBA expansion projects.

Why Southern Nevada Matters to the NBA

Southern Nevada offers a growing fan base, a lucrative tourism market, and a lack of an NBA team, creating a compelling case for franchise growth. The region’s economic climate, anchored by major employers like American Century, supports the financial viability of a new arena and related infrastructure. Adding a team would not only diversify the league’s geographic footprint but also boost local commerce and community pride.

• Jerry Colangelo – former NBA owner
• Vinny Del Negro – former NBA player and coach
• Scott Colangelo – chairman of Prime Capital Financial
• David Levy – media executive
• Jonathan Thomas – CEO of American Century Investments
• Jay Williams – ESPN analyst and former NBA lottery pick

The Las Vegas Jacks’ expansion push reflects a strategic move by seasoned basketball insiders to capitalize on the league’s ongoing growth. Stakeholders will be watching closely as the group continues to build out its bid, with the aim of securing a spot in the NBA’s next wave of franchise development.