NBA Expansion: 5 Reasons Why Louisville Deserves A Team

NBA Expansion: 5 Reasons Why Louisville Deserves A Team

By Bradley Sturgeon

July 27, 2014

NBA Expansion: 5 Reasons Why Louisville Deserves A Team

Louisville NBA Team — The great city of Louisville, KY has been rumored for the past few years as a prominent location for a possible NBA franchise. Expansion is most likely the only way a pro-basketball team could be formed in Louisville, because the current state of the league's teams are very secure for the foreseeable future. The state of Kentucky lives for basketball and has all of the makings for a great ambassador for the NBA.

The great city of Louisville, KY has been rumored for the past few years as a prominent location for a possible NBA franchise. Expansion is most likely the only way a pro-basketball team could be formed in Louisville, because the current state of the league's teams are very secure for the foreseeable future. The state of Kentucky lives for basketball and has all of the makings for a great ambassador for the NBA.

5. Louisville Is An Amazing City

Louisville skyline

5. Louisville Is An Amazing City

Louisville skyline — Louisville is simply a beautiful city, and it is a very bustling city for business. Forbes recently ranked Louisville 41st in the United States for career and business affairs, which was above four cities that currently host NBA teams. There is money to be made here, and an NBA franchise would excel in this growing environment.

Louisville is simply a beautiful city, and it is a very bustling city for business. Forbes recently ranked Louisville 41st in the United States for career and business affairs, which was above four cities that currently host NBA teams. There is money to be made here, and an NBA franchise would excel in this growing environment.

4. Basketball Is Life In Kentucky

Kentucky v Louisville

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4. Basketball Is Life In Kentucky

Kentucky v Louisville — Have you ever heard of the Kentucky Wildcats? How about the Louisville Cardinals? These two highly esteemed universities have garnered 11 NCAA basketball titles throughout their histories. Their long-tenured success has made the state of Kentucky a staple in basketball.

Have you ever heard of the Kentucky Wildcats? How about the Louisville Cardinals? These two highly esteemed universities have garnered 11 NCAA basketball titles throughout their histories. Their long-tenured success has made the state of Kentucky a staple in basketball.

3. Kentucky Fans Are Passionate

KFC Yum Cnter

3. Kentucky Fans Are Passionate

KFC Yum Cnter — The most dedicated basketball fans reside in Kentucky. On Dec. 8, 2010, the KFC Yum! Center drew 21,049 fans; on the same night a few miles away, Kentucky's Freedom Hall drew 17,404. That’s two teams, one night, one city and 38,453 fans. There would be plenty of support from the residents around Louisville.

The most dedicated basketball fans reside in Kentucky. On Dec. 8, 2010, the KFC Yum! Center drew 21,049 fans; on the same night a few miles away, Kentucky's Freedom Hall drew 17,404. That’s two teams, one night, one city and 38,453 fans. There would be plenty of support from the residents around Louisville.

2. Kentucky Has Pro-Basketball Roots

Kentucky Colonels

2. Kentucky Has Pro-Basketball Roots

Kentucky Colonels — The Kentucky Colonels of the ABA lasted from 1967-1976 before the merger with the NBA. The Colonels were not a favorite to change leagues and thereafter closed shop. During that time, the Colonels were the most dominate team in the ABA and won the 1975 season title. Basketball fans still remember those glorious days and long for the return of a great NBA franchise to call Kentucky home once again.

The Kentucky Colonels of the ABA lasted from 1967-1976 before the merger with the NBA. The Colonels were not a favorite to change leagues and thereafter closed shop. During that time, the Colonels were the most dominate team in the ABA and won the 1975 season title. Basketball fans still remember those glorious days and long for the return of a great NBA franchise to call Kentucky home once again.

1. KFC Yum Center

KFC Yum Center

1. KFC Yum Center

KFC Yum Center — Finally, Louisville holds something that other cities lack -- the KFC Yum! Center. The KFC Center is a state-of-the-art arena that is already established and firmly backed financially by the Yum! Corporation. Many cities that are vying for an NBA franchise lack an arena that the league holds to the highest importance when weighing relocation and expansion options. If the league decides to expand to 32 teams, then Louisville is a fantastic city.

Finally, Louisville holds something that other cities lack -- the KFC Yum! Center. The KFC Center is a state-of-the-art arena that is already established and firmly backed financially by the Yum! Corporation. Many cities that are vying for an NBA franchise lack an arena that the league holds to the highest importance when weighing relocation and expansion options. If the league decides to expand to 32 teams, then Louisville is a fantastic city.

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