Dana White NBA Expansion Ties Still Alive Ahead of $13B Decision

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed at a Contender Series press conference that he remains involved with a prospective ownership group pursuing an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas. The league has narrowed its candidates down to three finalist groups for a Sin City franchise, with the total winning bid expected to reach between $12 billion and $13 billion including a new arena.

The three finalist ownership groups feature high-profile figures, including Nancy Walton Laurie and Bill Laurie, Steve Apostolopoulos alongside Marc Lasry, and Bill Foley paired with Jerry Colangelo. The NBA's Board of Governors aims to formally approve the winning bid by the end of 2026, targeting a potential debut for the 2028-29 season.