LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Las Vegas sports economy grew from approximately 8,500 workers to an estimated 18,816 workers between 2015 and 2025, according to an updated dashboard from UNLV.
The university said in a news release Wednesday that fitness and recreational sports centers account for the largest share of employment.
MORE ON FOX5: Golden Knights’ Shea Theodore hosts ‘Kay’s Power Play’ for breast cancer support
In 2025, nearly 2 million visitors attended sporting events in Las Vegas. Visitor spending on sporting events generated an estimated $860 million in direct spending, according to CBER’s analysis using data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
“The sports economy in Las Vegas has been more than just about the economic impact of the professional sport teams playing in Nevada, but also how it creates opportunities for local businesses, develops new industries, spurs more amateur athletes and youth participation in sports,” said Andrew Woods, director of CBER.
Jay Vickers, UNLV associate athletics director for the Rebel Athletic Fund, said the opportunity is in turning sports growth into career and business opportunities for Southern Nevada residents.
“The greatest opportunity is turning Las Vegas’ sports growth into lasting career and business opportunities for the people who call Southern Nevada home,” Vickers said. “For UNLV students, that means paid internships, mentorship, and experiential learning across sports, hospitality, technology, and event operations.”
Vickers pointed to the Super Bowl internship program and UNLV’s partnership with Sports Business Classroom at NBA Summer League as examples of connecting education with industry.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
