• Loading stock data...
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

As NBA Conference Gap Grows, Will Expansion Provide Solution?

The Celtics, the Eastern Conference powerhouse of the last few seasons, will likely be without Jayson Tatum next year. 

Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Monday was one of the most consequential days in recent NBA history.

The Mavericks won the draft lottery and the right to select new franchise cornerstone Cooper Flagg, ESPN reported Giannis Antetokounmpo is “open-minded” about a trade out of Milwaukee, and the Spurs, one of the leading candidates to trade for the Bucks star, improved their asset pool after winning the No. 2 pick. 

One of the overarching themes that emerged following the lottery was that an already mighty Western Conference was getting even stronger. This year, all eight Western Conference playoff teams won 48 regular-season games, while only the top five seeds in the East could match that number.

Later that night, Celtics star Jayson Tatum ruptured his Achilles tendon, an injury that could sideline him for the entire 2025–2026 season and set back the Eastern Conference powerhouse. 

Long-Term Issue

The gap between the two conferences has been a conversation for decades. Since 2000, the Western Conference has had the better head-to-head record against the Eastern Conference in nearly every season, according to Basketball Reference. 

In that same time frame, a Western Conference team has won the NBA title 16 times to just 9 from the Eastern Conference.

The divide has caused many to suggest changing the NBA’s playoff format to the top 16 teams in terms of record, regardless of conference. ESPN reported in November that Western Conference executives are pushing for the change, but, as expected, there’s resistance from Eastern Conference executives.

For the rule change to happen, it would need to be approved by more than 75% of the league’s owners—at least 23 of 30 teams.

Expansion Effects

The conferences may be subject to realignment in the coming years if the league decides to add expansion teams for the first time since 2004. Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated Las Vegas and Seattle remain the top candidates for an expansion team, and both cities are in the West.

If both teams are added to the Western Conference, there would be an imbalance between the conferences, with 17 teams in the West and 15 in the East. A few candidates to move to the East would be New Orleans, Minnesota, and Memphis.

The Timberwolves, with 23-year-old star Anthony Edwards, would be the ideal choice at the moment if the league wanted to help tip the scales for the Eastern Conference. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 10, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8), and forward Jayson Tatum (0) and New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.

Celtics Sale Set to Close in Next Two Weeks

The $6.1B deal has taken longer to close than other recent franchise sales.

Former Heat Security Guard Indicted in $2M Memorabilia Scheme

He is accused of stealing more than 400 game-worn jerseys and other memorabilia, prosecutors say.
Jul 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and guard DiJonai Carrington (21) during the game between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty at College Park Center.

WNBA Trade Deadline Hits Ahead of Looming CBA Chaos

The trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.

Spurs Are Spending Big Now, but Can They Afford Their Future?

San Antonio traded for Fox in February ahead of the trade deadline.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
August 7, 2025

More Dildo Throwing During WNBA Games Leads to Second Arrest

The 18-year-old threw a dildo that hit another fan and his young niece.
Apr 6, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Marc Leishman (center) celebrates with his teammates after winning the final round of the LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.
August 7, 2025

Trump Golf Courses Secure 2026 Stops on LIV, PGA

For the fifth consecutive year, LIV golf returns to a Trump course.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
August 7, 2025

Smelling Salts Not Banned in the NFL, but Teams Can’t Hand Them..

Teams are banned from supplying smelling salts to their players.
August 6, 2025

US Open Breaks Prize Money Record, Still Leads All Grand Slams

The total 2025 US Open prize money is $85 million.
Diana Taurasi
August 6, 2025

Diana Taurasi Warns Against WNBA Work Stoppage 

Taurasi saw several key negotiations in her legendary career.
Mar 11, 2024; Jupiter, Florida, USA; MLB umpire Jen Pawol watches from first base during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
August 6, 2025

MLB Calls Up First Female Umpire for Marlins-Braves Doubleheader

Jen Pawol officiated in the minor leagues and MLB spring training.