NBA to Vote on Seattle Sonics Expansion Team The NBA is set to vote on whether to bring back the Seattle Sonics as an expansion team, marking a potential return to the city after 18 years. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the league’s Board of Governors will hold a vote on March 24-25 to explore adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas. If approved, the expansion would target the 2028-29 NBA season, with a growing number of owners now supporting the move. Charania emphasized that Seattle and Las Vegas’ market appeal, combined with a “parity-friendly collective bargaining agreement,” could create a strong purchase market for new franchises. The vote represents the first step in expanding the league to 32 teams. A final decision is expected later this year, requiring 23 of 30 governors to approve. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has previously stated that a decision on expansion will be made by the end of 2026. In December, Silver confirmed the league is evaluating both Seattle and Las Vegas, while also considering other markets. He cautioned against speculation, noting the process has been discussed for years. The absence of the NBA in Seattle since 2008 has been a topic of discussion. The Sonics were relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, where they became the Thunder. Seattle’s hopes for a return were bolstered by the opening of Climate Pledge Arena in 2022, built on the site of the former Key Arena. The arena now hosts the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and is seen as a key factor in attracting the NBA back. The SuperSonics’ legacy includes their 1979 NBA Finals victory over the Washington Bullets, Seattle’s first major pro sports championship. Adding teams to Seattle and Las Vegas would require significant financial investment, with expansion fees potentially exceeding $6 billion.#shams_charania #nba #adam_silver #climate_pledge_arena #seattle_sonics
NBA Set for First Vote on Las Vegas-Seattle Expansion The National Basketball Association is preparing to hold its first vote on expanding into Las Vegas and Seattle, according to sources. The decision will take place during the board of governors meetings next week, with the two new franchises expected to begin play in the 2028-29 season. The vote marks a critical step in the league’s plan to add teams to its roster, which currently stands at 30. Industry insiders indicate strong support within the league office and among the governors for moving forward with the expansion. Proposals for the new teams are projected to range between $7 billion and $10 billion each, with both markets anticipated to rank among the NBA’s top revenue-generating destinations. The appeal of Las Vegas and Seattle, combined with the league’s current collective bargaining agreement that promotes competitive balance, is expected to create a lucrative environment for potential buyers. This initial vote will focus solely on Las Vegas and Seattle, allowing the league to initiate a bidding process for the franchises. A subsequent vote later in the year will determine the final approval for the expansion, bringing the total number of teams to 32. To pass either vote, at least 23 of the 30 governors must approve the proposal. While many owners support the expansion due to the long-term financial benefits from the Las Vegas and Seattle markets, some remain cautious. Concerns include the potential dilution of individual ownership stakes, as league equity would shift from 1/30 to 1/32. These owners are also seeking final bid valuations and franchise fees before committing to the expansion. The NBA’s expansion plans are not without precedent. The National Hockey League recently added teams to both Las Vegas (Golden Knights, 2017) and Seattle (Kraken, 2021).#las_vegas #nba #adam_silver #seattle #climate_pledge_arena
Peso Pluma Expands Música Mexicana's Global Reach with Gospel Choir, Cousin Tito Double P, and Ambitious Tour Plans Peso Pluma is sitting on an equipment box backstage at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, reflecting on the success of his third U.S. arena tour. The Mexican artist, who has risen from a música Mexicana outsider to a global corridos icon, is celebrating the opening night of a sold-out show. His performance, which features his cousin and fellow corridos star Tito Double P, marks the first time two of the genre’s biggest names have joined forces for a tour. Peso, who calls the collaboration “explosive,” emphasizes the connection he feels with fans during live shows. “Touring is one of my favorite parts about being an artist because that’s where I really get to connect with my fans,” he says, holding a red Solo cup. Born Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija in Zapopan, Jalisco, Peso grew up listening to legendary corridos artists like Chalino Sánchez and Ariel Camacho. His early life in Guadalajara included working as a waiter in New York, a construction worker in Los Angeles, and attending high school in San Antonio. During his time in the U.S., he absorbed hip-hop influences from artists like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Kanye West, blending them with traditional corridos. This fusion is evident in his performances, which often include break dancers wearing Mexican wrestler masks. Peso’s rise began in 2022 with his collaboration on the romantic corrido “Ella Baila Sola” with sierreño group Eslabon Armado. The track reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the first time a música Mexicana song cracked the Top 10. He later performed the track at Coachella, further cementing his global appeal.#peso_pluma #tito_double_p #climate_pledge_arena #dinasta_tour #sunday_service_choir
Peso Pluma launched his 2026 Dinastía by Peso Pluma & Friends Tour with a high-energy performance at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on March 1, featuring collaborations with Tito Double P, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Armenta, and Rey Quinto. The event showcased over 35 tracks, blending Peso’s signature hits like “Lady Gaga,” “AMG,” and “Ella Baila Sola” with new material from the supporting artists. The tour, produced by Live Nation, is promoting the collaborative album Dínastia, released during the holiday season, which marks the duo’s first joint project. Peso Pluma and Tito Double P described their partnership as a dynamic interplay of contrasting energies, likening their relationship to opposing forces like black and white or angels and demons. They referenced the biblical tale of Jacob and Esau, emphasizing their shared Mexican heritage and dedication to the corrido genre. “This album is about family, Mexico, and what we’re doing for corridos,” Peso explained in a previous interview with Billboard, highlighting the album’s thematic depth. Dínastia made an immediate impact, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums and Regional Mexican Albums charts in January. It also reached No. 6 on the all-genre Billboard 200, reflecting its broad appeal. The tour will span 30 venues across the U.S., including stops in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Chicago’s United Center, with the final date scheduled for May 7. The opening night setlist featured a mix of Peso and Tito’s tracks, alongside performances by Yahritza y Su Esencia and other collaborators. Highlights included Peso’s hit “Lady Gaga,” Tito’s “Malibu,” and collaborative numbers like “Tusi” and “London.#live_nation #tito_double_p #climate_pledge_arena #peso_pluma #dinastia_album
Peso Pluma Launches 2026 Dinastía Tour with Star-Studded Opening Night in Seattle Peso Pluma kicked off his 2026 Dinastía by Peso Pluma & Friends Tour on Sunday night (March 1) at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, marking the debut of his collaborative project with Tito Double P. The event featured a lineup of renowned artists including Tito Double P, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Armenta, and Rey Quinto, who joined Peso on stage for an electrifying performance. The show delivered over 35 tracks, blending Peso’s biggest hits such as “Lady Gaga,” “AMG,” and “Ella Baila Sola” with energetic live renditions from the supporting acts. Produced by Live Nation, the tour supports the chart-topping collaborative album Dínastia, released last Christmas. Peso described the album’s concept as a reflection of his and Tito Double P’s dynamic, calling them “opposites” like “black and white” or “angels and demons.” He referenced the biblical story of Jacob and Esau, emphasizing their rivalry and unity as brothers. “This album is about family, Mexico, and what we’re doing for corridos,” he explained, highlighting the cultural significance of their work. Dínastia made an immediate impact, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums and Regional Mexican Albums charts in January. It also secured a No. 6 position on the all-genre Billboard 200, showcasing its broad appeal. The tour will continue through 30 venues across the U.S., including stops in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Chicago’s United Center, where it will conclude on May 7. The opening night’s setlist featured a mix of Peso and Tito Double P’s tracks, including “7-3,” “billetes,” “malibu,” and “trucha,” alongside collaborations with Yahritza y Su Esencia and Armenta.#live_nation #tito_double_p #climate_pledge_arena #peso_pluma #dinastia_album
