Fisher Brothers propose plans for new Las Vegas NBA arena

Article posted by Coliseum, October 19^th, 2026

Image: Fisher Brothers

Another contender has come forward with a proposal for a new NBA arena in Las Vegas as the city looks to secure an expansion franchise.

Fox5 said New York-based real estate firm Fisher Brothers is pitching a 50-acre site adjacent to its AREA15 entertainment complex as the potential future home of an NBA franchise in Las Vegas.

The plan envisions a state-of-the-art arena anchoring a larger mixed-use entertainment and retail district situated immediately west of Interstate 15.

The proposed arena would initially accommodate between 18,000 and 20,000 spectators, although its capacity could be adjusted to meet the requirements of a prospective team ownership group.

The proposed development could cost between $2-3 billion for the arena alone.

The site is next to the existing 30-acre AREA15 complex, which has welcomed more than 17 million visitors since opening in 2020 and includes over 600,000 square feet of immersive retail and experiential entertainment space.

Fisher Brothers owns approximately 80 acres in the area, with 50 acres available for future development.

The developer has submitted its arena proposal to the NBA and held discussions with prospective ownership groups interested in securing a Las Vegas franchise.

Three groups are reportedly competing for the opportunity, although Fisher Brothers has not publicly identified which bidders it has approached.

Winston Fisher, CEO of AREA15 and a partner at real estate firm Fisher Brothers, said, “There are 50 acres of shovel-ready land where the arena could sit. We will be able to build a whole campus that celebrates that team, but it’s also a 365 activation where the bars, the restaurants, the lodging can be part of the infrastructure.”

The prime location offers easy access for both local residents and tourists visiting the Strip corridor.

Bringing an NBA expansion team and building a state-of-the-art arena to house it is projected to cost upwards of $12 billion to $13 billion.

The proposal has been backed by Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley. She wrote a letter of support for the project in July saying the site was “uniquely suited for a project of this scale.”

She said, “I believe this is one of the premier development opportunities in the Las Vegas region and an exceptional location for a future NBA franchise.

“The vision reflects the kind of ambitious, transformative investment that will continue to strengthen Las Vegas as a global destination for sports, entertainment, tourism, and economic development.”

The project falls within a designated redevelopment area and federal Opportunity Zone, with $140 million in authorized economic incentives already established through the Tourism Improvement District program.

Fisher Brothers also highlighted existing site infrastructure, reporting $18 million in completed improvements to drainage and electricity infrastructure.

The site sits about seven minutes from approximately 150,000 Las Vegas Strip hotel rooms and within a 20-minute drive of 2.4 million residents.

The proposal comes as the NBA formally explores expansion into Las Vegas and Seattle. However, neither a franchise award nor approval of the proposed arena has been confirmed.

Alternative Las Vegas NBA arena proposals

Several alternatives are competing with Fisher Brothers’ proposed arena at AREA15 in Las Vegas:

Diamond Arena: Chetak Development has proposed a 21,212-seat venue opposite Mandalay Bay, with team facilities, a plaza and parking.

Starr Vegas: A proposed US$10 billion entertainment district would include a 25,000-seat arena, a soccer stadium, hotels, retail and a casino.

LVXP: The developer previously proposed an arena within a major mixed-use development on the former Wet ‘n Wild site, although the project’s status remains uncertain.

T-Mobile Arena: Bill Foley has proposed upgrading the existing venue for NBA basketball.

Caesars/VICI: The partners are exploring a new arena site behind Paris Las Vegas and Planet Hollywood.

Downtown Las Vegas: Mayor Shelley Berkley has promoted potential sites near the World Market Center for an arena-led regeneration project.

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