Las Vegas Board Locks In $4.25M NBA Summer League Deal

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board approved $4.25 million to continue hosting the NBA Summer League. The new sponsorship agreement covers funding through 2028 and is part of $4.6 million in total expenditures the board approved that day. This year's tournament runs July 9-19 at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center and The Pavilion. Las Vegas has hosted the event since 2004, and the new commitment ranks among the largest the LVCVA has made for it.

NBA Summer League Funding Gets a Major Upgrade

Under the agreement, the LVCVA will spend $1.25 million in 2026. That figure rises to $1.5 million in both 2027 and 2028. Historically, the agency's sponsorship of the event ranged from $750,000 to $1.2 million annually. The LVCVA is funded mainly through a room tax on out-of-town hotel guests, not local taxpayers.

The Summer League has grown substantially since its 2004 debut. It now spans 11 days and features 76 games involving all 30 NBA franchises.

Teams use the event to evaluate young talent, including rookies and second-year players transitioning from college basketball. Games air nationally on ESPN and NBA TV, with additional streaming through the NBA app. This year's edition is projected to draw more than 76,000 out-of-town visitors. That figure is expected to generate over 132,000 incremental room nights for the local market.

LVCVA Backs ASAE CEO Conclave at MGM Grand

Beyond the Summer League, the board approved additional funding tied to its broader convention strategy. It allocated $345,000 to MGM Resorts International for hosting the ASAE CEO Conclave at the MGM Grand. ASAE represents professionals in the meetings and events industry. Las Vegas served as the official host destination for the 2025 Conclave. The event was co-sponsored by the LVCVA, MGM Resorts, Allegiant Stadium, and the ASAE Foundation. As part of its sponsorship responsibilities, the LVCVA arranged catering, exhibitor services, and audio-visual support through MGM. LVCVA representatives engaged with more than 100 association CEOs during the event's sessions and receptions.

Vegas Loop Secures $25M Operations Contract

The board approved a five-year, $25 million agreement with Vegas Loop Operations Co. The deal covers operations and management of the Vegas Loop at the Las Vegas Convention Center through June 2031. That works out to $5 million annually. The underground transportation system was first approved in May 2019, when the board signed a design and construction contract with The Boring Company.

Since its launch, the system has carried more than 3.5 million passengers across the convention center campus. Together, the approvals reflect the agency's continued investment in major events and visitor infrastructure across Las Vegas.