LAS VEGAS - This week, the NBA is making history by hosting real, live, regular-season games in Las Vegas for the first time ever. The NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals will take place at T-Mobile Arena, marking a significant moment for both the league and the city. The success of this tournament could potentially lead to Las Vegas becoming the home of a new NBA franchise.

Las Vegas has had a relationship with professional basketball in the past, hosting exhibition games, the 2007 NBA All-Star Game, NBA Summer League, WNBA games, and even a few Utah Jazz games in the 1980s. However, the NBA has never put on a display quite like the one it will this week. The tournament serves as a testing ground for both the league and Las Vegas, as it could foreshadow the possibility of an NBA team finding a permanent home in the city.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has previously referred to Las Vegas as "our 31st franchise," sparking speculations of a potential expansion. The city's success with NBA Summer League, the popularity of USA Basketball training camp, and the thriving WNBA's Las Vegas Aces franchise have shown there is a strong appetite for professional basketball in Las Vegas. The NBA In-Season Tournament is anticipated to draw a significant turnout from both local fans and those traveling domestically and internationally.

The NBA's decision to choose Las Vegas as the host city for the tournament's final four showcases the league's belief in the city's ability to deliver an unparalleled experience. Las Vegas is known for its immersive and personalized offerings, making it an ideal destination for fans seeking a unique basketball experience. If the tournament proves to be a success this year, it will only further solidify Las Vegas as a prime location for an NBA team.

The possibility of an NBA team in Las Vegas has gained momentum with the impending construction of a privately funded $10 billion casino resort, which includes a $1 billion, 20,000-seat arena built to NBA specifications. While plans like these don't guarantee results, CEO of Oak View Group (OVG), Tim Leiweke, has a successful track record in arena construction. The completion of the project in 2026 could potentially provide a new home for an NBA team, allowing it to have its own dedicated venue.

Las Vegas already boasts successful professional sports teams, including the NHL's Golden Knights, the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, and the NFL's Raiders, with the MLB's A's set to arrive in 2025. This flourishing sports market, coupled with a population of over 2.2 million and impressive attendance figures for existing teams, adds to the optimism surrounding Las Vegas' potential as a four-sport town.

While the NBA has not made any commitments regarding expansion, the In-Season Tournament serves as a litmus test for the market's sustainability. The league is closely monitoring the success of the tournament, and Commissioner Adam Silver will undoubtedly face questions about the possibility of bringing a team to Las Vegas. As the city continues to grow and shed its previous taboo image, the NBA expansion to Las Vegas appears tantalizingly close.

In conclusion, the NBA In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas is not only a momentous occasion for the league and the city but also serves as a potential stepping stone towards a future NBA team calling Las Vegas home. The success of the tournament, combined with the construction of a dedicated NBA arena, could pave the way for Las Vegas to become the league's 31st franchise in the near future.

- The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov contributed to this story.

Tashan Reed is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Las Vegas Raiders. He has previously covered Florida State football for The Athletic and has extensive experience in sports journalism, including coverage of high school and NAIA college sports.