A 2023 research paper from the UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research found the city’s major sports teams have boosted the economy by drawing in more visitors and creating “new valuable jobs” in sports education and other sports-related sectors.

While it’s not necessarily helping diversify Nevada’s tourism-dependent economy, UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research director Andrew Woods said it has helped develop that sector.

“It’s clear to us that it’s been good for the economy,” he said. “We are still dependent on leisure and hospitality’s success, but (sports) continues to make leisure and hospitality successful.”