Following is an inside look at the business of Nevada sports showcasing the news and features of this vibrant industry.
In this issue, Game On covers the business sports highlights from recent months. In addition, read on for a contributed article from Melanie Stafford with the Nevada Youth Soccer Association to learn how professional and youth sports impact one another in Nevada.
Special Olympics Nevada Gains Independent Status
Formerly operating under the umbrella of Special Olympics Northern California, Special Olympics Nevada has gained independent status and now operates as its own chapter. The new status will allow the organization to extend its reach and services to more potential athletes and their families. In addition, the chapter will now be able to focus more on Nevada programs and services for people with intellectual disabilities while partnering with Nevada-based businesses without brand confusion. Senate Bill 341 and Assembly Bill 525, passed during the 2023 legislative session, paved the way for the designation change with $500,000 in funding.
Bill Foley Inducted into the Nevada Business Hall of Fame
William P. “Bill” Foley was honored by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Lee Business School as part of the 2024 class of Nevada Business Hall of Fame inductees. A business leader and philanthropist, Foley founded the Foley Entertainment Group, which operates professional sports franchises, including the Vegas Golden Knights, the Henderson Silver Knights and the Vegas Knight Hawks. Foley is joined by William Hornbuckle, CEO and president of MGM Resorts International and Jan Jones Blackhurst, executive director of the UNLV Black Fire Leadership Initiative and former Las Vegas mayor.
Inaugural ESPN Research Fellows Announced
UNLV’s International Gaming Institute (IGI) has announced the 2024 ESPN Research Fellowships. Created to advance knowledge on responsible gambling messaging in sports media, recipients include scholars from across the nation and their proposals address unique facets of gambling messaging. “These diverse research projects will help to inform how the industry can continue to respond to and improve upon responsible gaming practices in the sports entertainment ecosystem,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. Each Fellowship will last six months and results will be featured in an IGI webinar in early 2025.
