Your Guide to Las Vegas Sports Teams
What comes to mind when you think about Las Vegas? Maybe it’s the dazzling casinos with their bustling floors and never-ending rows of slot machines. Maybe it’s the five-star restaurants and the world-class entertainment. Or maybe it’s walking down Fremont Street and the Strip or watching the fountain show at the Bellagio. But what you might not consider is how much Las Vegas sports has grown over the last few years.
From professional sports to the college ranks, Vegas sports teams have been taking the court, field, and rink by storm. Read on to learn more about the amazing professional sports teams in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Raiders
Over their 60+ year existence, the Raiders have bounced around the west coast, from Oakland to Los Angeles and back to Oakland. Since 2020, the Raiders have called Las Vegas home, playing their football games at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, adjacent to the city. With Pro Bowl players and stars like running back Josh Jacobs, wide receiver Davante Adams, and defensive end Maxx Crosby, the Raiders have brought excitement on the gridiron to Vegas for the first time.
Vegas Golden Knights
Hockey in Las Vegas? Won’t the ice melt? Believe it or not the Las Vegas desert is home to an NHL team, and a good one at that. Joining the NHL in 2017, the Golden Knights made the Stanley Cup Finals in their very first season, losing to the Washington Capitals in five games. Over the next four seasons, the Golden Knights returned to the playoffs each year before finally missing the playoffs for the first time in the 2021-22 season. However, in the following season, the Golden Knights returned to the Stanley Cup Finals and won, defeating the Florida Panthers in five games. Not bad for a recent NHL expansion team.
Las Vegas Aces
Moving from San Antonio to Las Vegas in 2017, the WNBA’s Stars rebranded to the Las Vegas Aces and took the league by storm. In their five seasons in Vegas, the Aces have made the playoffs four times and the finals twice, winning in 2023 with Hall of Famer Becky Hammon as coach. With star basketball players like A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Candace Parker, the Aces have captivated fans across Vegas, the country, and the world.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels
In 1990, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas defeated Duke to win the NCAA National Championship behind the strong play of future NBA stars Greg Anthony, Stacey Augmon, and Larry Johnson. Since putting UNLV sports on the map in 1990, the basketball team has had a solid run of success, though never again reaching such great heights. However, the university has won six national championships in other sports, two each in men’s golf, men’s tennis, and women’s track and field. Located right outside of Las Vegas in Paradise, the UNLV campus is always a great place to catch a sports event.
NBA Summer League
Since 2004, the NBA has held its summer league in Las Vegas, allowing fans to watch up-and-coming players compete and earn their roster spots in a competitive, exciting environment. Players like Blake Griffin, Damian Lillard, John Wall, Lonzo Ball, and Keegan Murray have taken home MVP honors after wowing fans during the tournament. In 2023, the Las Vegas exosphere was even transformed into a giant basketball with a welcome message to fans and players.
Las Vegas Sports on the Horizon
Vegas sports have expanded so much recently with the additions of the Raiders, Golden Knights, and Aces that it seems only natural that the MLB or NBA might join in the fun. In fact, the Oakland Athletics are rumored to be relocating to Las Vegas soon, and have already started building a new ballpark. Similarly, many NBA fans are speculating that the league will be expanding and placing two new teams in new markets, with Las Vegas and Seattle topping the list.
And with the sports scene growing with big events like the Formula Racing Grand Prix and the 2024 NFL Championship game, sports fans from all categories have something to enjoy while in town. In a few years, Las Vegas will be an even more bustling sports town than it is today.
Betting on Las Vegas Sports Teams
When it comes to our local sports teams, Circa Sports is the ultimate sportsbook for Las Vegas sports betting and viewing. Stop by Circa Resort, the D, or one of the other Circa Sports locations in Nevada to place your bets in person. Can’t make it into the sportsbook? Download the Circa Sports app on iOS or Android to have your bookie right in your pocket.
Whether in person or on the app, join Circa Sports for your premier place to bet on sports in Vegas.
