Las Vegas Commits $3.65 Million to Host NBA Cup and College Football Kickoff Events
Las Vegas continues to strengthen its reputation as a top sports destination, with local tourism leaders approving significant investments to bring major sporting events to the city.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), responsible for promoting tourism, conventions, and special events in Southern Nevada, has pledged a total of $3.65 million to support two high-profile events.
The first event is the NBA’s midseason tournament scheduled for December, while the second marks the return of the popular college football kickoff games, set to run from 2027 through 2030.
Allocating $1 Million for the Emirates NBA Cup
The Emirates NBA Cup is set to take place again at the T-Mobile Arena from December 14 to 16, marking the third consecutive year Las Vegas hosts the league’s semifinals and finals. The LVCVA is contributing $1 million through a sponsorship agreement designed to enhance marketing, advertising, and hospitality surrounding the event, according to Brian Yost, the authority’s chief operating officer.
Last year’s tournament featured a standout game between the eventual 2025 NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Milwaukee Bucks. It drew over 17,300 visitors from outside the area and resulted in nearly 19,000 hotel room bookings.
The championship match attracted an audience of nearly 3 million television viewers on ABC. In the upcoming year, the semifinals and finals will be broadcast on Prime Video.
A $2.65 Million Investment in the Las Vegas Kickoff Classic Series
College football is making a strong return to Las Vegas. After a break in 2025 and 2026, the Las Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium will resume on Labor Day weekend 2027 with a new four-year agreement with ESPN Productions.
The LVCVA plans to invest a total of $2.65 million throughout the series, with funding gradually decreasing from $1 million in 2027 to $350,000 in 2029, then increasing again in 2030.
Organizers anticipate the series will attract over 290,000 visitors and generate more than 215,000 hotel room nights over the four years. Clint Overby, ESPN’s vice president of events, described the event as the perfect combination of Labor Day, Las Vegas, and college football to celebrate the season’s start.
Last year’s game between USC and LSU drew nearly 59,000 fans to Allegiant Stadium, with approximately 90% of attendees coming from out of town, according to the Las Vegas Stadium Authority.
The upcoming lineup includes Miami vs. Utah and North Dakota State vs. Montana State in 2027, BYU vs. Oregon State in 2028, Montana vs. South Dakota State in 2029, and Texas Tech vs. Arkansas in 2030, rekindling a regional rivalry.
John Saccenti, who manages the Vegas Kickoff Classic, believes these rivalries with nationally recognized programs will ensure exciting matchups in the years to come. Combining the spotlight from both college football and the NBA, Las Vegas officials view these sports events as a vital strategy to overcome current tourism challenges and keep the city vibrant with visitors and packed stadiums.
