Beginning this month, you will notice a new department in Nevada Business Magazine. Entitled “Game On”, this feature will cover the business of sports in the Silver State. Starting with a focus on the Vegas’ Golden Knights hockey team, “Game On” will comprehensively report on the businesses and lifestyles of major players in this emerging industry.

From the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), National Finals Rodeo, Las Vegas Raiders, WNBA and the Las Vegas Aces to the Las Vegas Lights pro soccer team and much more, there will be no shortage of sports teams to cover. And, the correlation between sports, business and lifestyle is clear. As new professional sports teams get established in Nevada, they will help to bolster and grow industry across the board. It’s evident that tourism and gaming will continue to be boosted by professional sports. Perhaps more subtly, we’ll also begin to see new businesses form, whose primary purpose is to serve as ancillary industries to professional sports franchises.

Beyond that, having professional teams in the state will help attract more workers and families; something we urgently need to continue to diversify our workforce. From increased tourism numbers to new businesses supporting the industry and improved demographics for the state, professional sports are a boon to Nevada.

This first “Game On” feature focuses on the Golden Knights, their incredible first season and the increased economics Nevada has seen from the team already. In future issues, the magazine will cover soccer, basketball, football, baseball, fights, etc. These articles will inform our readers on the business of sports and lifestyles of the participants as well as the success of the teams themselves. From owner and player interviews, we’ll work to provide a complete picture of each sport, each team and how they affect Nevada business.

In addition to the magazine’s coverage on the business side of sports, we’ll be working to accurately represent our teams in each issue. One of the magazine’s new hires is Brian Nugent, a former professional hockey player. Armed with a marketing degree and unique insights, Brian knows the industry inside and out and has brought his experience to Nevada Business Magazine to help bridge the gap between business and sports. Brian’s experience and expertise in the sports industry will take the lead to engage with the professional sports businesses.

As this new industry becomes integral to the fabric of Nevada, we’ll be providing regular insights into the management, players and business of sports. It’s been said, “a rising tide lifts all boats,” I believe Nevada’s sporting industry is such a tide. Sports fans, rejoice! For Nevada, it’s past time we got our game on!

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”