

This was not without heavy debate, as the vote only passed 20-10 in favor of expansion. The Maverick's Mark Cuban led the opposition to expanding the league.
At the start of the bidding, almost everyone expected the two teams to be Seattle and Las Vegas. Seattle was almost a certain lock to get a franchise, but the second team, that was the one that kept NBA writers up late at night. Vegas was the clear favorite, but the sudden announcement caught many probable buyers off guard.
This led to a surprising move where an investment group led by Dan Issel a former NBA player who played for the University of Kentucky along with being a member of the ABA's Lousiville Colonels, received the winning bid. For the basketball-crazed state of Kentucky, this is a massive win. Fans have been gathering outside the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville all morning celebrating their new team.
For Seattle, it was almost a sure thing that the city was getting a team. Who would be the owner, was the major question. In the end, Chris R. Hansen the man who almost moved the Kings to Seattle was able to finally seal the deal, bringing a team to his home city. Similar scenes to Louisville were seen at the Key Arena in Seattle. For the fans, this is a long-awaited victory.
This will be far the most difficult expansion ever undertaken for both teams, however. Part of the deal with the NBA will mean that teams are expected to start playing THIS season, this means that unlike all previous expansions both franchises will not be in the NBA draft or able to sign any top-tier free agents.
The fans better be excited to have their teams because the play on the court won't be too exciting for the foreseeable future.
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