Sports & Athletics

Clark County is home to leaders in the athletics industry that are actively open to business partnerships. Organizations such as UNLV Sports Innovation, Allegiant Stadium Operators, Las Vegas Ballpark Management, and regional sports medicine and performance training firms drive innovation and build strong partnerships between athletes, businesses and franchises.

Clark County also presents significant investment opportunities related to pro sports teams in Nevada, from stadium-adjacent mixed-use development and hospitality expansion to sponsorship, media, sports technology and event infrastructure. The continued growth of major league franchises in Las Vegas has created a scalable environment for private capital, strategic partnerships and long-term sports-driven economic development.

Companies like Red Rock Running Company create community around running culture, while thousands of sports management, athletic therapy and training businesses find success in Clark County.

The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Sports Innovation program stands as a cornerstone of academic research and community engagement in the field of sports. With a rich history of research expertise, UNLV Sports Innovation collaborates with local businesses to facilitate product testing and development with Vegas professional sports teams, bridging the gap between academia and industry. The program’s Catalyst Grant provides funding for collaborations between UNLV faculty and industry partners, fostering groundbreaking ideas and solutions for the sports-related business community.

Clark County boasts a pool of highly educated talent ideally suited for the sports and athletic industry. The UNLV cultivates talent with its renowned Intercollegiate and Professional Sports Management Master’s degree program, and the school’s undergraduate certificate in Sport Leadership and Management provides a strong foundation for running a related business. Nevada State University also contributes to Clark County’s talent pool through its Business Administration program — which offers a concentration in sports business that delves into the economic and financial intricacies within the sports industry. 

Clark County has become one of the most dynamic markets for sporting events in the country, pairing major professional franchises with premier venues. Besides the Las Vegas Raiders, there are plenty of other teams to enjoy in the area. The Vegas Golden Knights anchor Las Vegas’s NHL presence at T-Mobile Arena on the Strip, and a few miles west in Summerlin, the Las Vegas Ballpark serves as home to the Las Vegas Aviators, the Triple-A affiliate of the Major League Baseball team, the Oakland Athletics, who are also slated to make the move to the region by 2028.

Beyond the ice and diamond, Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts major NASCAR events, Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay hosts WNBA action, UFC events and special sporting events. The historic Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus remains the home court of the Runnin’ Rebels men’s basketball team, a program with NCAA tournament history and a passionate local following. While there isn’t currently an NBA team in Las Vegas, the area is a top contender to become the association’s next franchise.

Together, these venues illustrate the breadth of Clark County’s sports ecosystem, cementing the region’s status as a year-round destination for elite competition.