So forget geography. Focus instead on the cities that have the greatest chance of success. Then worry about how to divvy them up.

If there are two worthy applicants, for example, the league can go to four eight-team divisions. Want to bring in three teams? Create three 11-team divisions. Either is viable with a 1 vs. 16 playoff format, although that’s certainly not the only way to skin the postseason cat.

There are bound to be some surprises as the process unfolds over the next few weeks. A fresh take on what qualifies, or disqualifies, a market should be one of them.

-Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated where you can read more on expansion.