Las Vegas and Seattle seem to be the leading expansion candidates.

Here is a question. Does the proposed sale of the National Basketball Association’s Boston Celtics franchise for a reported $6.1 billion open the door for an NBA expansion? That is a question that has not yet been answered but it appears the NBA brass was waiting for the Celtics business sale to see how much someone was willing to pay for the franchise. The NBA now knows the price for the Boston market. More than six billion dollars. Could the NBA get that price for an expansion team or teams? It depends on just how much a potential NBA owner in Seattle or Las Vegas is willing to pay for an expansion franchise.

The NBA expansion process really has not started although the league brass is absolutely familiar with the two leading expansion candidates, Seattle and Las Vegas. The NBA has an interest in Mexico City as well but geopolitics may get in the way of a United States sports league putting a franchise in Mexico. The NBA wanted to accomplish two things before it was ready to add franchises. The NBA owners wanted a collective bargaining agreement with the players. That deal was reached in 2023. The NBA then wanted to finalize a new American TV deal and that happened in 2024. The NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has been somewhat vague about expanding the league to 32 teams. Another fly in the expansion ointment is this.  The NBA could establish a permanent presence in Europe starting its own European league. There could be a new venue built in Las Vegas for an NBA franchise. Seattle politicians really did not want to spend money for a new venue for the NBA SuperSonics in 2006 and 2007. Seattle now has a venue. The SuperSonics ownership took the business to Oklahoma City in 2008. NBA expansion may be closer.

Evan Weiner’s books are available at iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/author/evan-weiner/id595575191

Evan can be reached at evan_weiner@hotmail.com

This weekend, we’re changing things up on Let’em Run! Instead of Gulfstream Park, our focus shifts to Aqueduct, where the Wood Memorial headlines an exciting slate of races. With the Santa Anita Derby featuring only five entries (and potentially just four by post time), we’ve opted to pass on covering that race. However, we still have an action-packed schedule, including the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct and the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, which has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 8th, due to inclement weather.

Aqueduct Selections – Saturday, April 5, 2025

The Gazelle Stakes (G3) Race 9 – 4:34 PM EST | 1 1/8 Miles Dirt |

• #2 Ballerina d’Oro – Returns to Aqueduct after an impressive second-place finish two back. With Dylan Davis riding for Chad Brown, she has the closing kick needed to capitalize on a strong pace set by speedsters (#1, #3, #8).
• The switch to dirt has unlocked her potential.
• #3 Vanilla Sundae – The Todd Pletcher-Repole Stable duo keeps Manny Franco aboard. Dominated last out by 15 lengths and was eased up late. This Gun Runner filly won’t mind an off track.

The Carter Stakes (G2) Race 10 – 5:06 PM EST | 7 Furlongs Dirt |

• #2 Quint’s Brew – Third off the layoff and Mychel Sanchez’s only mount. Seeking a third consecutive win and could be undefeated but for trouble three starts back. Trainer wins at a 35% clip when last-race winners return.
• #4 Full Moon Madness – Kendrick Carmouche, the 7-furlong wizard, teams up with this Aqueduct specialist. Prime Power #1, stretching out to 7F, should make him a major player.
• #7 Maximus Meridius – Joel Rosario reunites with Butch Reid’s consistent colt. Loves Aqueduct and has the speed to be involved early.

The Excelsior ($150K) Race 11 – 5:38 PM EST | 1 1/4 Miles Dirt |

• #4 Crupi – Class relief could be key. Has battled top-tier competition (White Abarrio, Skippylongstocking, Tapit Trice) but finds a softer spot here. Dylan Davis stays aboard.
• #8 Masmak – Consistent runner (4 wins, 1 second in 5 Aqueduct starts). First time at this distance, but Manny Franco’s patient ride should suit.
• #6 Phileas Fogg – Kendrick Carmouche (2-for-2 with trainer Rodriguez) gets the mount. If the track is off, stock rises further.

The Wood Memorial (G2) Race 12 – 6:10 PM EST | 1 1/8 Miles Dirt |

• #5 Sand Devil – Needs points to qualify for the Derby. Speed of the speed, loves Aqueduct, and trainer Linda Rice is red-hot.
• #8 Passion Rules – Undefeated and trained by Brad Cox. Carmouche pulled off an upset in this race last year—can he do it again?
• #2 Captain Cook – Likely favorite. Needs a win for Derby eligibility. Already victorious at this distance, and workouts suggest readiness.

Race 13 – 6:44 PM EST | 7 Furlongs Dirt | OC 45K/N2X

• #10 Sohana – Big class drop for Brad Cox (38% off this kind of layoff). Rosario takes over.
• #5 Ariana Rye – Speed threat with jockey Sophie Vives, who knows her well.
• #3 Dolomite – Consistently firing, finished second three times in a row. Manny Franco stays up.

Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland – Rescheduled to Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Due to weather concerns, Keeneland’s entire Saturday card has been moved to Tuesday. The Toyota Blue Grass Stakesremains a pivotal Derby prep race.

Race 10 – 5:52 PM EST | 1 1/8 Miles Dirt | The Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1)

• #5 East Avenue – Blinkers on for sharpness. Working out well and primed for a big return effort.
• #1 River Thames – Likely favorite. Irad Ortiz Jr. takes over for Velazquez. Should benefit from a ground-saving trip from the rail.
• #3 Burnham Square – Best value and a strong upset candidate. Brian Hernandez Jr. takes the reins.

Don’t Miss Our Live Coverage!

Join us for One Horse Wonders on Thursday at 8 PM EST on Capital Sports Network for our latest insights, and catch our updated program Saturday at 12:30 PM EST for race-day analysis. This is the biggest weekend for Kentucky Derby hopefuls—don’t miss a second of the action!