It looks like Las Vegas is getting another arena:

http://www.allnetllclv.com/

This seems like it might be more attractive to the NBA than developing a new market like Louisvile or Virginia Beach, or dealing with the logistics of Mexico City. This would allow Minnesota to move to the Eastern Conference as well.

Pacific - Golden State, Sacramento, LA Lakers, Portland, Seatte
Mountain - Utah, Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, LA Clippers
Southwest - Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Memphis, New Orleans, Oklahoma City

Central - Minnesota, Milwaukee, Chicago, Indiana, Detroit, Cleveland
Atlantic - Toronto, New York, Brooklyn, Boston, Philadelphia
Southeast - Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington

It may seem odd to split the LA teams, but realistically it only makes a difference of one game at most - with a 4/3/2 split, everyone in the five team divisions needs an extra game to get to 82, which for the Lakers and Clippers could be each other.

(09-08-2018 06:25 AM)chargeradio Wrote:  This seems like it might be more attractive to the NBA than developing a new market like Louisvile or Virginia Beach

Las Vegas is not even close to ready to support franchises in 3 "major" pro sports. Might not even be ready for 2, but they'll soon have 2.

Even apart from sports, for things like concerts and arena events, Las Vegas already has a surplus of arenas. If this would-be developer can hoodwink people into throwing money at his dream project, more power to him, but it doesn't sound like a great idea.

Yep, nothing but arenas out there. Why build a new one?

Raiders will have the Fall. Golden Knights will have the Winter.

Las Vegas would probably be better served at trying to land an MLS franchise. The Spring/Summer would be the only slots to fill in the typical sports fan's schedule. If they could play inside the new Raiders' stadium then that would probably be best.

Cultivate a soccer fan base and you might also attract some international competitions and that would be ideal for tourism.

(09-08-2018 02:25 PM)Wedge Wrote:  

(09-08-2018 06:25 AM)chargeradio Wrote:  This seems like it might be more attractive to the NBA than developing a new market like Louisvile or Virginia Beach

Las Vegas is not even close to ready to support franchises in 3 "major" pro sports. Might not even be ready for 2, but they'll soon have 2.

Even apart from sports, for things like concerts and arena events, Las Vegas already has a surplus of arenas. If this would-be developer can hoodwink people into throwing money at his dream project, more power to him, but it doesn't sound like a great idea.

(09-09-2018 11:55 AM)AllTideUp Wrote:  Raiders will have the Fall. Golden Knights will have the Winter.

Las Vegas would probably be better served at trying to land an MLS franchise. The Spring/Summer would be the only slots to fill in the typical sports fan's schedule. If they could play inside the new Raiders' stadium then that would probably be best.

Cultivate a soccer fan base and you might also attract some international competitions and that would be ideal for tourism.

I think the LV Riaders will be a hot ticket year-round for visiting team fans. It's only 8 home games. And Vegas is over 2 million population right now, and many of those like to spend money on entertainment options.

The Golden Knights are lucky they had such a good start. They are the team with the most to lose as newer franchises move in. The good will established by the GKnights last season will help them retain some fan interest in the ensuing years, and also the fact they were there first. Still, ultimately, I think the Raiders will quickly assume prevalence as the Valley's premier pro franchise.

I think an NBA franchise also makes sense for Las Vegas--regardless of the arena it is in (there are several to choose from, though the Knights' home is most logical.) 40 home games a year indoors during winter will appeal to a LOT of visiting team fans who will be willing to travel to Vegas for a visit. Also, the demographics for the NBA seem to match a good segment of the current demographic that visits Vegas and spends excess dollars on entertainment. The in-valley home fans will have enough of them to support this kind of team as well. Again, the Golden Knights are the most threatened by this scenario.

The only major sport that I think would have a longer term problem being successful in Vegas is Major League Baseball. 81 home games during the Vegas heat of spring/summer/fall is just too much to expect. Plus, baseball's demographics don't match up as well with the resident population as well as football and NBA. Those that might like baseball can go to see the Golden Knights instead. or they can trek to Summerlin to see the 51's AAA team in their new stadium and go shopping or to red Rock after or before.