Las Vegas’ sports economy is booming. A joint study by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) and the Sports Innovation Institute shows the city’s sports‑related workforce has more than doubled over the past ten years, rising from roughly 8,500 workers in 2015 to an estimated 18,816 in 2025.
Where the jobs are coming from
Fitness and recreational sports centers account for the largest share of these positions, highlighting that most opportunities exist beyond the professional teams that call Nevada home. The sector includes trainers, facility managers, administrative staff and support personnel who keep gyms, community leagues and indoor arenas running.
Sports tourism adds a major boost
According to CBER, nearly two million visitors attended sporting events in Las Vegas last year. Their spending generated about $860 million in direct economic activity, underscoring the importance of sports tourism to the local economy.
Youth hockey drives community involvement
One of the most striking findings is the explosion of youth hockey participation. Registrations with USA Hockey for players 18 and under jumped from 539 in the 2016‑17 season to almost 3,000 in 2024‑25. Girls now represent roughly 13 percent of those players.
“The growth in youth hockey participation suggests that sports are becoming more than something Southern Nevadans watch—they are becoming something more families participate in,” said Jay Vickers, UNLV associate athletics director for the Rebel Athletic Fund. “That creates opportunities for young people to build confidence, learn teamwork and develop a sense of belonging.”
Economic impact beyond the arena
Andrew Woods, director of CBER, emphasized that the sports economy’s benefits extend far beyond ticket sales. “The sports economy in Las Vegas has been more than just about the economic impact of the professional sport teams playing in Nevada, but also how it creates opportunities for local businesses, develops new industries, spurs more amateur athletes and youth participation in sports,” he said.
Local businesses such as equipment retailers, hospitality venues and transportation providers have all felt the ripple effect of increased sports activity. The study suggests that continued investment in sports facilities and youth programs could further strengthen the city’s economic resilience.
Looking ahead
Researchers note that while tourism remains a key driver, the sustained growth of fitness centers and youth sports indicates a diversified and stable employment base. As Las Vegas continues to attract major events and expand its recreational infrastructure, the sports sector is poised to remain a vital source of jobs and community cohesion.
For families, the expanding sports landscape offers more options for healthy recreation and character development, aligning with the city’s broader goals of promoting active lifestyles and economic opportunity.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
