Las Vegas Spere as a basketball during the 2023 NBA Summer SeriesSummary:

  • Casino executives say an NBA team would attract more visitors and boost hotel stays across Las Vegas.
  • The Athletics’ move to the Strip in 2028 is expected to strengthen the city’s growing sports tourism appeal.
  • Wynn and Red Rock see major sporting events as key drivers of premium casino customers and weekend travel.

Las Vegas‘ transformation into one of the world’s leading sports destinations could receive another major boost if the NBA awards the city an expansion franchise, according to executives from Wynn Resorts and Red Rock Resorts.

The remarks were made during the quarter earnings calls of both casinos, when their leaders praised the growing impact professional sports have had on tourism and expressed confidence that an NBA team would further elevate Las Vegas as a year-round entertainment hub.

Lorenzo Fertitta, vice chairman of Red Rock Resorts, said the arrival of major professional teams has already generated significant benefits for the city’s hospitality industry.

“There are a number of different benefits we get from it” Fertitta said, pointing to the success of partnerships with the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.

According to Fertitta, sporting events help fill hotel rooms throughout the city while attracting high-value visitors who spend time at casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

He added that Red Rock’s properties frequently host visiting NFL teams and experience stronger table game activity whenever Las Vegas hosts marquee events such as UFC cards or major boxing matches.

Events-Driven Spot for Tourists

Fertitta also believes the relocation of Major League Baseball’s Athletics to the Las Vegas Strip in 2028, mixed with a potential NBA franchise, will considerably increase the city’s status as an events-driven destination.

Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings expressed similar ideas, although he clarified that Wynn has no plans to build an arena despite speculation that the company could develop one on land it owns across from Wynn Las Vegas

About the Author

Author Sadonna Price has been part of the online casino industry for over a decade, watching it develop and expand across the US. She enjoys playing online slots and table games, as well as Texas Hold’em.