also to contain travel costs. But, for the league to eventually make it, they will need to be city-based, so that they can develop fans.
Phase 2 should be teams in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Indianapolis. Those markets produce a significant amount of NBA talent and are great markets for basketball viewership. And, you still contain travel costs with tight geography and major airports.
Phase 3 - if successful, look to add perhaps DC, Raleigh or Charlotte, Louisville, and Detroit or one of the three major cities in Ohio. Still tight geography in good basketball markets.
Phase 4 - if continued success, add Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta. These markets also produce a significant amount of NBA talent and could provide sufficient fans and viewership to make it work, even though they greatly expand the geography.