Las Vegas Tourism Agency Approves $2.7 Million in Sports Sponsorships
Las Vegas Set to Invest $2.7 Million in Sports Sponsorships, Boosting Local Tourism
By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — In a bold move to enhance its reputation as a premier sports destination, Las Vegas is preparing to allocate approximately $2.7 million in sponsorships for a series of high-profile sports events. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), which also serves as the city’s unofficial sports commission, will present these sponsorship deals to its public board on Tuesday.
The LVCVA has a history of investing public funds in sports, and this latest initiative is no exception. The proposed sponsorships include:
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$1.2 Million for the Nike Tournament of Champions: This flagship girls’ basketball tournament, established in 1997, features a competitive field of 32 teams and attracts nearly 15,000 student athletes annually. The sponsorship will provide $100,000 each year from 2025 to 2036, with the tournament set to take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center every July.
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$843,750 for the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA): This funding will support the NACDA and Affiliates Annual Convention Week in Las Vegas in June 2030 and 2032. Hosting university athletics directors not only brings prestige to the city but also opens doors for future college sports championships in the Las Vegas market.
- $700,000 for the Professional Pickleball Association: This investment will facilitate two major pickleball tournaments in Las Vegas each year in 2025 and 2026, tapping into the growing popularity of the sport.
The LVCVA board is expected to approve these sponsorships with minimal public scrutiny, a trend that has characterized past decisions. The agenda for Tuesday’s meeting will also include annual budget information, with the LVCVA planning to spend a staggering $36 million on sports events in 2025. This follows a significant expenditure of over $33 million in 2024 for Super Bowl 58, which took place in February.
As Las Vegas continues to position itself as a hub for sports and entertainment, these sponsorships are seen as a strategic investment in the city’s tourism economy, promising to attract thousands of visitors and generate substantial revenue for local businesses.
Stay tuned as the LVCVA board convenes to discuss these exciting developments that could shape the future of sports in Las Vegas.