Mountain West Conference, Palms Casino Resort Strike Multiyear Partnership

An NCAA Division-I conference announced a partnership with one of the largest casino and hospitality brands in America.

The Mountain West Conference (MWC) on Thursday released a statement confirming it agreed to a multiyear deal with Palms Casino Resort. Palms will now become the Official Hotel Partner of the conference, which includes schools such as UNLV and Nevada, through 2028.

The mid-major conference is preparing to open its corporate headquarters in Las Vegas in July 2026.

Mountain West partners with Palms Casino Resort

According to the announcement, partnering with Palms Casino Resort will further entrench the MWC in America’s gambling capital, which has hosted basketball conference championships for the last 24 years. 

The deal was negotiated in partnership with JMI Sports, the MW’s exclusive multimedia rights partner.

“Relocating our corporate headquarters to Las Vegas represents an exciting new era for the Mountain West,” said MWC Commissioner Gloria Nevarez. “We appreciate Palms Casino Resort for embracing our vision and supporting the Conference as we deepen our presence in the Las Vegas community. This partnership will enhance every aspect of our championships.”

The partnership will go into effect when the women’s and men' s basketball conference championships tip-off on March 7 and March 11, respectively. March Madness will almost immediately follow. 

Palms Casino Resort - known for its assortment of slot machines and live-daler table games, as well as its hospitality - will kick off the partnership by hosting the Mountain West’s Fan Fest and offering accommodation for team personnel, school administrators, and fans attending the tournament. It will also present the MVP trophy following the conclusion of the women’s tournament.

Palms will hold the title of the Presenting Partner of the Mountain West’s ‘Making Her Mark’ initiative, which is an enhanced commitment to women’s sports designed to increase the profile of female student-athletes in the MWC. The casino-resort will also host the annual “Power Players: Women Leading the Way” panel.

Creating new opportunities

Laura De La Cruz, Assistant General Manager of Palms Casino Resort, supported the MWC’s ambition to enrich its connection with Las Vegas and local guests and residents through the new partnership.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Mountain West Conference at such an exciting time for both the organization and the city of Las Vegas,” De La Cruz said. “As the Conference establishes its new headquarters here, Palms Casino Resort is honored to serve as a home base for student-athletes, administrators, and fans. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting collegiate athletics and delivering memorable championship experiences in Las Vegas.”

Following the conclusion of the men’s and women’s basketball tournament, Palms will also serve as the Presenting Partner for all 13 Olympic sport championships, celebrated by an integrated experience and activation opportunities on digital platforms. 

The casino-resort will also host Media Days for the upcoming football and basketball seasons.

“Hospitality plays a critical role in the conference championship experience, as member institutions, families, and fans travel from across the country to watch high-level competition,” said Pete Thuresson, Senior Vice President, JMIS Properties at JMI Sports. “Connecting the Mountain West with Palms Casino Resort strengthens the conference’s footprint in Las Vegas and creates meaningful, market-based alignment as it transitions its headquarters to the city.”