​Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesNBA rumors: Las Vegas ownership finalists down to 3 with $12-13 billion price tag in play appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The NBA’s potential expansion into Las Vegas is moving closer to becoming a reality, with three ownership groups reportedly remaining in contention for a franchise that could carry a price tag of at least $12 billion to $13 billion when including a new arena.ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday that the league expects to select the winning bid for a Las Vegas expansion team in the near future. The finalists include groups featuring Nancy Walton Laurie and Bill Laurie, Steve Apostolopoulos and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry, and Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley and longtime NBA executive Jerry Colangelo.“ESPN Sources: The NBA is expected to select the winning bid for owner of the Las Vegas expansion team in the very near future, with a price of at least $12-13 billion for the franchise and new arena among three finalist groups – Nancy Walton Laurie and Bill Laurie; Steve Apostolopoulos and Marc Lasry; Bill Foley and Jerry Colangelo.”Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)The development represents another major step in the NBA’s expansion process. The league’s Board of Governors voted in March to formally explore adding teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, with investment bank PJT Partners brought in to evaluate potential ownership groups, markets, arena plans and other financial considerations.NBA’s Las Vegas expansion process reaches final stagesLas Vegas has attracted several prominent potential ownership groups throughout the process, but the field has now reportedly narrowed to three.Foley already has significant experience operating a professional sports franchise in Las Vegas through the NHL’s Golden Knights. Colangelo, meanwhile, has decades of NBA experience and previously owned the Phoenix Suns.Lasry also brings previous NBA ownership experience after serving as a co-owner of the Bucks before selling his stake in 2023.The reported $12 billion to $13 billion price includes the franchise and a new arena, according to Charania. The figure illustrates the enormous financial commitment required to bring an NBA team to Las Vegas.NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this year that the league hoped to complete its expansion evaluation process by the end of 2026. With three groups reportedly left in contention, the league now appears to be approaching one of the biggest decisions in its expansion process.Related: Charles Barkley confirms 2026-27 NBA season will be his last dance on Inside the NBARelated: NBA rumors: Kawhi Leonard’s ‘legacy’ reason for rejecting other trade suitors besides Raptors