Kansas City, a city rich in sports history and enthusiasm, has been without an NBA team since the Kansas City-Omaha Kings relocated to Sacramento in 1985. Despite this, the city remains a significant market with a strong appetite for professional basketball. For fans in Kansas City, the question often arises: which NBA team is the closest?
Current NBA Landscape
The National Basketball Association (NBA) consists of 30 teams, with 29 based in the United States and one in Canada. These teams are spread across 22 states and one province, with some states hosting multiple teams. For instance, California has four NBA teams, the most of any state, while Texas has three.
Proximity to Kansas City
To determine the closest NBA team to Kansas City, we need to consider the geographical locations of the teams. Here are the nearest NBA teams:
1. Denver Nuggets: Based in Denver, Colorado, the Nuggets are approximately 560 miles from Kansas City. This distance makes them one of the closest teams to Kansas City, although still a considerable drive.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder: Located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the Thunder are about 340 miles from Kansas City. This makes them the closest NBA team to Kansas City, given the relatively short drive compared to other teams.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves: While not as close as the Thunder, the Timberwolves, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, are still within a reasonable driving distance of about 470 miles from Kansas City.
Kansas City’s history with the NBA is marked by the presence of the Kansas City-Omaha Kings, which later became the Sacramento Kings. The city has since been without an NBA team, despite its strong sports culture and fan base. There have been periodic discussions and speculations about potential NBA expansion to Kansas City, but as of now, no concrete plans have been announced.
Future Possibilities
There have been ongoing discussions about NBA expansion, with several cities being considered as potential new homes for NBA teams. Kansas City is often mentioned alongside other cities like Seattle, Las Vegas, and Louisville as potential destinations. However, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has not made any definitive statements about upcoming expansions, leaving the future uncertain.
Fan Engagement
Despite the absence of a local NBA team, basketball fans in Kansas City often find themselves supporting nearby teams. The Oklahoma City Thunder, being the closest, might attract some local fans due to their proximity. However, the lack of a home team means that fan loyalty can be dispersed among various teams, depending on individual preferences and historical affiliations.
Conclusion
For basketball enthusiasts in Kansas City, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the closest NBA team, offering a relatively short drive for those eager to experience live NBA action. While the city’s history and current sports landscape suggest a strong case for an NBA team, fans must continue to look to nearby teams for their NBA fix until any potential expansion plans materialize. The ongoing discussions about NBA expansion provide a glimmer of hope that one day, Kansas City might once again host its own NBA team.