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Tag: Las Vegas

  • Sean O’Malley Eyes Redemption at UFC 324

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    Posted on: January 23, 2026, 04:31h. 

    Last updated on: January 23, 2026, 04:32h.

    • Paddy Pimblett betting favourite for tomorrow night’s lightweight interim title bout at UFC 324
    • Sean O’Malley looking for a road back to a title shot, needs to beat Song Yadong first
    • O’Malley betting favourite at BetMGM

    The UFC gets out of the gate for 2026 with a bang tomorrow night, with UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, headlined by a lightweight interim title bout between No. 4 Justin Gaethje versus No. 5 Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett.

    Sean O’Malley is seen on stage during the UFC 324 press conference at T-Mobile Arena yesterday in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Image: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

    The winner of this one, said UFC CEO and President Dana White, will likely square off with lightweight title holder Ilia Topuria, who has stepped away from UFC to deal with a family matter. There’s no point in getting into the specifics of that, with plenty of rumours flying around social media. There’s been no indication that Topuria is done with MMA. He just needs to clear up this personal issue.

    Pimblett Betting Favourite

    A Topuria comeback versus Pimblett would line up as one of the biggest fights in UFC history. Topuria issued a statement recently that he intends to defend his title in the next six months, against either Pimblett or Gaethje, he said.

    White was thrown a curveball a week back when Kayla Harrison, the women’s bantamweight champion, had to pull out of her scheduled fight with Amanda Nunes due to neck surgery. White said yesterday as soon as she is well that fight will be rescheduled.

    For tomorrow night, White moved up No. 3 Sean O’Malley versus No. 5 Song Yadong in a men’s bantamweight bout. O’Malley was a UFC superstar in the making, with highlight reel knockouts, but went off the radar after losing two fights in a row, both to Merab Dvalishvili – by submission at UFC 316 last June and by unanimous decision at UFC 306 in September 2024.

    O’Malley used to headline pay-per-view fights. Then he got moved down to undercard.

    O’Malley Looks to Make a Statement

    “I’m not even the co-main, dude. I am falling off hard,” said O’Malley back in December when the UFC 324 card was announced.

    “What’s next? Prelims? F—, early prelims? God dammit, it’s not going good for the Suga show. The stock of the Suga show is down bad right now, it’s not good, it’s not looking good,”

    Now he’s on a co-main fight card for tomorrow night’s card. A grand opportunity for him to make a statement against Yadong, known for a crisp boxing-heavy, explosive style.

    UFC is kicking off its new $7.7 billion broadcasting partnership with Paramount+, so having a brand like O’Malley, who’s an American to boot, fighting in one of UFC’s meccas, Las Vegas, is a pretty good consolation prize after Harrison’s injury.

    Yadong’s Crisp Boxing Style

    “Song’s hungry, experienced, explosive,” O’Malley said at the pre-fight news conference. “He hits hard. He’s dangerous … one of the best strikers I fought.”

    O’Malley later told Sportsnet the three rounds for tomorrow’s fight gives him an advantage. O’Malley hasn’t fought a three-round fight since 2022. “I have been enjoying the three-round training camp. Still putting in the work, training camp’s are never easy, or fun. It’s a good push, but three rounds sounds nice. It will change the pace, three rounds to five rounds.”

    At BetMGM today, Pimblett is the betting favourite, at -235, with Gaethje +190. Pimblett has been getting 35% of bets, 49% of handle. Like White has said, oddsmakers have been too quick to dismiss Gaethje. DraftKings has it Pimblett -230, Gaethje +190.

    O’Malley is the clear betting favourite in his fight, at -210 (Yadong is +170). Yadong has seen 54% of bets, 52% of handle at BetMGM. At DraftKings O’Malley is -205, Yadong +170.

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    Mark Keast

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  • Vegas casino turns entirely to electronic table games as visitor numbers fall

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    Las Vegas’ Golden Gate Hotel Casino has removed all of its live dealers, making every table game electronic. That move comes as data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority shows the city hosted roughly 7% fewer visitors in 2025 compared to 2024. Andres Gutierrez reports.

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  • The plan for a gaming-themed Atari hotel in Las Vegas has reportedly been scrapped

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    Six years after the announcement of plans to build Atari Hotels in eight cities across the US, including Las Vegas, only one now seems to be moving forward, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Las Vegas deal ultimately “didn’t come to fruition,” spokesperson Sara Collins told Las Vegas Sun this week, and Atari Hotels is putting its focus into the Phoenix site “for the time being.”

    Phoenix was always meant to be the first site, followed by other hotels in Austin, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle. But Las Vegas is now apparently off the table, and there haven’t been any signs of life around the other planned locations. The FAQ on the Atari Hotels website notes, “Additional sites, including Denver, are being explored under separate development and licensing agreements.” The Atari Hotel project was announced in 2020 just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequently experienced development delays. Construction on the Phoenix hotel, which was supposed to break ground in 2020, is expected to begin late this year, with its opening now planned for 2028.

    But maybe don’t hold your breath. According to a December press release, the company is still trying to raise $35 million to $40 million to fund the “playable destination” for gamers in Phoenix.

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    Cheyenne MacDonald

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  • The Atari Hotel in Las Vegas Isn’t Happening Anymore

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    Back in January 2020, just before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Atari announced it would be building several hotels across the country. Six years later, none have been built. And the Las Vegas Sun reports that the video game themed hotel for Sin City was officially dead.

    A spokesperson for Atari told the Sun that the company “explored developing a location in Las Vegas” in 2020 and 2021 but “the deal didn’t come to fruition.” The last update for an Atari hotel in Las Vegas came in early 2024 when the Las Vegas Review-Journal declared the idea wasn’t dead yet. At the time, the company said more information about the plan was coming in late 2024. But that never happened.

    The Las Vegas hotel was supposed to be “inspired by, and built with, classic and modern video game culture in mind,” the developer insisted. It was going to have about 400 rooms and feature the Atari log on the front, according to the Review-Journal. They were looking to develop at least 5 acres of land on the strip, but it just never came to fruition.

    But the idea for an Atari hotel apparently isn’t completely dead. There were other planned locations including Austin, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Denver, Colorado; Phoenix, Arizona; San Francisco, California; San Jose, California; and Seattle, Washington. And the Phoenix idea seems to be the one still on life support.

    In Dec. 2025, Atari released renderings of what the hotel in Phoenix is supposed to look like, with an announcement that a 90,000 square-foot hotel near Central Avenue and Roosevelt Street would be happening in the city by late 2026, according to local NBC TV affiliate station 12 News. The hotel is supposed to have 72 rooms, according to 12 News, a reference to the year Atari was founded: 1972.

    The company also released a teaser trailer on YouTube, explaining that the goal is to make the first of its kind playable hotel for gamers, though the video is also an appeal for investors.

    The Phoenix renderings are currently center stage at AtariHotels.com. But maybe don’t get your hopes up too much if you’re banking on visiting an Atari hotel soon. The website’s timeline says that final construction and the grand opening wouldn’t be happening until Q4 of 2028. Even if this project does happen as planned, you’ve got some years until you can stay in the retro video game hotel of your dreams.

     

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    Matt Novak

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  • Hard Rock Las Vegas Guitar Tower Shaping Up • This Week in Gambling

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    Construction of the new Hard Rock Las Vegas has reached a major milestone as the signature guitar-shaped hotel tower surpassed the halfway point of its vertical development. Project officials confirmed this week that crews have completed 28 of the planned 42 stories on the structure rising along the Las Vegas Strip.

    The progress keeps the massive redevelopment project on schedule for a targeted opening in the fourth quarter of 2027. Hard Rock Las Vegas President Joe Lupo stated that the vertical phase is moving at a steady pace on the former site of the Mirage. The new tower will eventually reach a height of 660 feet, fundamentally changing the skyline of the resort corridor.

    The design of the tower includes a lower base known as the podium, which stands 100 feet tall and houses the first five floors. These levels will contain the hotel lobby, various retail spaces, and dining outlets. The remaining 560 feet of the tower will be dedicated to 675 luxury guest rooms and suites.

    Passersby can already see the distinct aesthetic of the building taking shape. Workers have begun installing exterior glass panels in two different shades of blue. Nearly a dozen floors have already been fitted with these panes, which are designed to reflect the surrounding environment. The construction has reached a point where the guitar shape is clearly visible from both the north and south ends of the Strip.

    In addition to the new tower, the broader transformation of the property includes a total renovation of the existing hotel structures. The original three-winged tower from the Mirage era is being gutted and will be reclad in blue glass to match the new guitar hotel.

    When the project is finished, Hard Rock Las Vegas will offer nearly 3,600 hotel rooms. The expanded resort will also feature 175,000 square feet of gaming space, making the casino floor significantly larger than its predecessor. Other planned amenities include multiple pool complexes, two spas, a new live entertainment theater, and dozens of restaurants and lounges.

    Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, purchased the property from MGM Resorts International in 2022. The formal transition began after the Mirage closed its doors in July 2024 to make way for the multi-billion-dollar overhaul.

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    This Week in Gambling

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  • Martinis at The Cosmo: The Corner Store Reveals Vegas Location

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    The Corner Store is opening in Las Vegas. Nick Johnson

    Eugene Remm, Tilman Fertitta and Catch Hospitality Group will open their second location of The Corner Store at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas this fall. And the goal here, as clear as a clean martini glass, is to not stray at all from the food, vibe, essence and energy that’s made SoHo’s The Corner Store a sensation. 

    As Observer previously reported, the Las Vegas restaurant will have twice the seating of the 75-seat New York restaurant. But the caviar-topped lobster rolls, five-cheese pizza rolls, wagyu French dip, steak frites, ice-cold martinis and Rockwell Group design are all about evoking what makes The Corner Store special in New York.

    “It’s the exact same thing, and that was the intent from the beginning,” Remm tells Observer. “I want to bring the New York experience to Vegas. Yes, it’s double the seats, but the kitchen is three times the size. I’ve got three bars instead of a tiny little bar. Yes, it’ll do more volume, but I don’t have to fight with guests to go down these tiny little stairs in SoHo to get the dishwasher pit to work. So I do not have any doubt that, at 150 seats, we’ll be able to keep the integrity of the food quality, the martini quality and everything that we do.”

    The menu will largely stay the same. The Corner Store

    The Corner Store, Remm says, unapologetically focuses on “classic approachable American cuisine.” It’s familiar. It’s nostalgic. It’s playful. It’s definitely not fusion. There are nods to fast-casual and freezer-aisle food, but everything is made from scratch at The Corner Store. 

    “I think the Cosmo is the perfect epicenter for that type of cuisine,” Remm says. “I feel like that’s exactly where The Corner Store belongs.”

    The Corner Store will take over the Cosmopolitan space currently inhabited by Blue Ribbon American Grill & Oyster Bar, which will close on February 16. The Corner Store is an expansion of the partnership between Remm and MGM Resorts, which has had Catch at Aria since 2018.

    “It’s about trust and having people as partners that are going to be able to execute the vision that you create,” Remm says. “MGM has done a wonderful job in being the shepherd of the Catch brand. They want to be the best. They have a competitive nature that I like. They want to win.”

    MGM Resorts recently expanded its dining portfolio with Carbone Riviera at Bellagio and Gymkhana at Aria, in a city where Cote at the Venetian and the forthcoming opening of Zero Bond and Sartiano’s at Wynn are also ushering in a new era of Vegas glamour.

    “I think everyone is embracing that lifestyle dining and creating experiences are the most important things in the culinary side of any casino,” Remm says. “You’ve got to create spaces that make people excited and also create spaces that are, in my opinion, from somewhere else and hard to get into. Everyone wants to touch what they see on social media. I think Las Vegas was built for that.”

    Martinis at The Cosmo: The Corner Store Reveals Vegas Location

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    Andy Wang

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  • Durango Las Vegas Begins Phase 3 Expansion • This Week in Gambling

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    Station Casinos has officially broken ground on a 385 million dollar expansion at Durango Las Vegas, marking the third major development phase for the southwest valley property since its debut in late 2023. This latest project will add 275,000 square feet to the resort, specifically targeting the northern side of the existing campus.

    The expansion comes only weeks after the company finished a 120 million dollar south-end project that introduced a new high-limit slot room and a 2,000-space parking garage. Company executives stated that this new phase is designed to meet the high demand from the surrounding neighborhood, which is currently one of the fastest-growing residential areas in the Las Vegas Valley.

    Key features of the Phase III build include a significant increase in gaming capacity. The casino floor at Durango Las Vegas will receive approximately 400 additional slot machines. Beyond gambling, the project introduces several non-gaming amenities that were absent during the initial opening of the resort. These include a 36-lane bowling center and a luxury movie theater complex, both of which are standard features at other major Station Casinos properties.

    The expansion also includes plans for a new restaurant lineup and several food hall outlets. Developers intend to build multiple entertainment venues and a podium expansion to house these additions. Construction is estimated to take roughly 18 months, placing the projected completion date in the summer of 2027.

    Despite the heavy machinery and construction activity on the north side of the property, the resort will remain fully operational. Management confirmed that all existing hotel rooms, restaurants, and casino areas will stay open to the public during the construction period. Analysts suggest that the rapid move into Phase III is a direct result of the property performing better than initially expected.

    The investment reflects a broader strategy by Red Rock Resorts, the parent company of Durango Las Vegas, to reinvest in its local portfolio. Other properties in the region, including Green Valley Ranch and Sunset Station, are also undergoing renovations this year. Officials believe the added capacity at the southwest resort will help capture more market share as thousands of new households continue to move into the three-mile radius surrounding the casino.

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    This Week in Gambling

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  • Tesla Robovans to Be Used in the Las Vegas Loop

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    The Boring Company’s president, Steve Davis, said that the Las Vegas Loop will have Tesla Robovans once the transportation system expands further through the city and the existing fleet of normal Teslas reaches 1,200 vehicles.

    Boring Company President Announces the Loop Will Use Robovans

    Said Robovans, which are not yet built, are electric self-driving pod-like vehicles that will be able to hold up to 20 people each. According to Davis, the vehicles will be implemented on the Loop when the system is built out to 68 miles of tunnels and 104 stations across the Strip and downtown Las Vegas. When that happens, the idea is to use the future fleet of Robovans mainly during predictable spikes in demand, like game days and major events, when large numbers of riders are headed to the same destination simultaneously.

    Davis explained that once a vehicle has four passengers and must begin making stops, the most efficient option is typically to deploy the smallest vehicle, such as a car. However, when demand is predictable, operators can anticipate large numbers of riders one or two hours in advance. In those cases, he said, it makes sense to deploy high-occupancy vehicles, such as the Robovan.

    What Are the Future Expansion Plans for the Loop?

    The Robovans are part of the extensive plans and yet unfulfilled plans for the Las Vegas Loop. The idea is for the construction of the system to be complete sometime between 2028 and 2029 – a somewhat optimistic project estimate as of now. 

    However, right now, the Loop is quite limited in coverage. The only new feature the Vegas Loop currently offers is a limited shuttle service to Harry Reid International Airport. This service, which accommodates roughly 50 passengers per day and operates on a limited schedule, launched earlier this month from Resorts World, Westgate, Encore, and the Las Vegas Convention Center, which are the only four Loop stations open at present.

    Despite the Loop being rather limited in reach currently, the Boring Company is buying more Strip properties along the planned route of the system. The next planned phase of the project will add a 2.2-mile, two-way tunnel from Westgate to Paradise Road, set to open in the next few months. The section should enable speeds of up to 60 mph on certain stretches and increase the fleet to about 160 vehicles.

    Many hurdles remain in the path of the final stages of the project, but even the few miles that have already been built have not gone without problems. Just a few months ago, for example, the Boring Company was fined $500,000 after authorities inspecting the tunnels found out that construction caused damage to the Las Vegas sewer system.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Harry Reid International Airport Unveils Sweeping Modernization Plan

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    Harry Reid International Airport is poised to undergo a long-overdue transformation as Clark County officials move ahead with a modernization plan for the airport that may soon become a bottleneck for Las Vegas if left unchanged. The pressure was evident during last week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), when tens of thousands of visitors poured into the city, leaving the airport operating at nearly full capacity.

    Officials Aim for a 2034 Completion Date

    According to a recent Las Vegas Sun report, county aviation leaders have stressed that Harry Reid must urgently expand without disrupting the steady stream of major events that fuel Southern Nevada’s economy. The city’s tourism sector has been steadily recovering since the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to a rich schedule that ranges from championship sports to global trade shows.

    We want to ensure all the projects we’re designing, aligning, and planning will be able to be executed while we continue to support events and the community’s needs.

    James Chrisley, Clark County director of aviation

    Harry Reid International handles nearly 65 million passengers annually. However, officials warn that such steady growth could push the airport beyond its practical limits within the next decade. According to projections, the airport may become insufficient for the number of travelers by 2033. The Aviation Department of Clark County thus envisions a multi-billion-dollar modernization effort that will unfold over the next ten years.

    While the project is still in the design phase, a timeline is already becoming clear. County officials expect to secure formal approval to proceed by 2028, with construction starting around 2029. An optimistic projection envisions roadway improvements ready by 2030, transit centers by 2033, and the redevelopment of Terminal 1 by 2034.

    Connectivity to the Rest of Vegas Remains a Priority

    The project primarily focuses on the Terminal 1 overhaul, which would see its gate count expand from 39 to 65. The new layout aims to reduce crowding, shorten walking distances, and improve airline flexibility during peak travel periods. The current Terminal 3 will be renamed to Terminal 2 and upgraded with additional ticketing space, modernized baggage systems, and self-bag-drop technology.

    Officials also envision a new elevated flyover roadway to connect the terminals directly and separate airport traffic. Such a change could significantly reduce congestion on surrounding roads while improving safety. Connectivity to Las Vegas will improve via two multimodal transit centers. They will serve as hubs for ride-hailing services, public transit, and employee parking, hopefully reducing the traffic on terminal roadways.

    Looking ahead, the county is also considering a supplemental airport south of Las Vegas near Jean and Primm, which will help divert some of the traffic away from Harry Reid International. Local leaders have noted that airport efficiency is closely related to the region’s economy, so removing transportation bottlenecks should lead to long-term growth.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Vegas bride hangs wedding dress on sprinkler at Mandalay Bay. She instantly regrets it: ‘This is the most insane thing that ever happened to me’

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    A Las Vegas hair and makeup artist happened to witness one of the craziest wedding disasters in her career. The bridal party, who all decided to stay in Mandalay Bay, got soaked by the hotel’s sprinkler system. 

    The worst part was that the bride’s wedding dress was hanging on a sprinkler right before the system went off, effectively ruining her outfit for the wedding and forcing wedding organizers to plan around the chaos. 

    In a video with over 97,000 views posted on Nov. 9, 2025, MaKall (@bymakall), a prominent wedding hair and makeup artist, explained how the bride’s day was nearly ruined due to a sprinkler system going off. 

    Everything goes well—until the sprinkler system starts

    MaKall was almost finished with the bridal party, as she was about to help the bride with her dress. The photographer, who was taking a few photos of the bridal party getting ready, recommended hanging the wedding dress on a sprinkler to get it out of the way. At that time, the entire bridal party had pristine, shimmering makeup in preparation for their friend’s big day.

    Then, water shot everywhere the moment they touched it. “ Wish I could play back to you [how much] water [was] praying out of that thing. It’s like shooting and like when you run past it, [and] it hurts because it’s spraying so hard. There’s like black stuff spraying everywhere too,” MaKall said. 

    The black stuff smelled disgusting, something that MaKall immediately noticed and realized would be a big issue. MaKall tried to assist in getting the stunned bridal party out of the room as soon as possible.  

    “ I’m in the bathroom washing my hands to zip up her dress, and I just hear screaming and I look and there’s water spraying,” MaKall told her audience. “And I literally just stand like this because what? so I’m like running across the room to get my stuff.”

    The room floods, seeping into the hallway

    The entire room started to flood by this point. The floors were damp to complete extreme, with the water pooling out of the carpet because it couldn’t hold it all in. Ultimately, water started to leak out of the room and toward the hallway, disrupting the entire floor.

    The wedding planner, however, jumped into solution mode and quickly got to work fixing the situation. MaKall started working to fix the women’s hair and makeup, having to switch to a few things but ultimately preserving each woman’s look despite the torrential downpour.

    Hotel staff quickly assisted with the room, but MaKall said, despite “fixing” everything, she felt bad for the bride.

    How much would repairs for a room in Mandalay Bay cost?

    As some commenters mentioned, it would be “incredibly expensive” to clean a room where a sprinkler went off. 

    “Yikes…my partner is a facilities director for multiple high rises in Seattle and the sprinklers are fabulous for putting out fires but they cost A LOT in water damage for water remediation. This[is] about to cost someone in the $100,000 range,” said one commenter. “Especially with all the refunds, [it] might be way more. And if it triggered other ones even worse. I’m scared for that bride!” 

    $100,000, however, might be a stretch, especially if only one room’s sprinkler system actually went off. 

    Carpet replacement can cost anywhere from $2 to $8 per square foot. Simple drying can cost $4 to $6 if it’s clean water. Although with “black stuff” coming out of the sprinkler, this will likely cost $6 to $9 instead, with prices generally depending on local averages. 

    That’s not considering whether the bridal party had a special bridal suite or larger accommodations, which may increase the square footage of the room, thus having more to repair. While a regular room with a king-sized bed has 550 square feet, an executive king suite has 786 square feet, and a reef suite has 1,280 square feet. Depending on the room the bridal party was in, the costs may increase exponentially.

    What other charges will there be for the room?

    Hotels also charge for additional damages. Often, when a client or guest checks out with additional, accidental, or intentional damages, the hotel will charge a premium to get their rooms fixed. For however long the hotel room is not available for guests, Mandalay Bay loses income. 

    Then, there’s replacing TVs and other electronics that got damaged by a sprinkler system or replacing the sprinkler system itself. The hallway also apparently flooded, which would add to the overall costs. All in all, another commenter’s estimate of $50,000 for one room would be more likely, although this figure could still be lower depending on a number of factors.

    Who is fronting the bill for the sprinkler system incident?

    Based on MaKall’s comments on her original post, the photographer ended up with the bill. She was the one who suggested placing the wedding dress on the sprinkler, which ultimately caused the sprinkler system to go off. 

    Ultimately, though, the answer still seems up in the air. MaKall stated on Nov. 10 that she wasn’t exactly sure who ended up with the charges, the same day she mentioned that the photography company was liable. 

    We’ve reached out to MaKall and a woman tagged in one of MaKall’s posts discussing the incident via TikTok direct message. We’ve also reached out to Mandalay Bay via email for comment. 

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Rachel Thomas

    Rachel Thomas

    Rachel Joy Thomas is a music journalist, freelance writer, and hopeful author who resides in Los Angeles, CA. You can email her at [email protected].

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    Rachel Thomas

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  • Raiders’ Gamble Backfires: What’s Next for the Luckless Silver and Black?

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    Posted on: January 3, 2026, 02:31h. 

    Last updated on: January 3, 2026, 02:33h.

    • Raiders look to finish last and lock down the No. 1 draft pick
    • RB Jeanty finishing season strong
    • Rumours swirling about head coach Carroll’s future, more Brady involvement in team decisions

    What’s next for the 2-14 Las Vegas Raiders, as another NFL regular season ends? Stories about a trade of Pro Bowl DE Maxx Crosby. League-wide chatter about head coach Pete Carroll being fired at the end of this season. Reports about minority owner (and Fox NFL broadcaster) Tom Brady about to take an even more active role in Raiders’ off-field decisions.

    Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders rushes for yards during the second quarter of the game against Andru Phillips of the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in December. (Image: Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

    For Raiders fans, and bettors, the focus today is more on finishing last in the NFL, locking up the No. 1 selection in this spring’s draft, and the next steps in what’s clearly going to need to be a rebuild. That rebuild will start at the quarterback position. So that starts with Indiana Hoosiers’ QB Fernando Mendoza (Heisman Trophy winner and AP College Football Player of the Year), who DraftKings has as -450 to go No. 1 (then QB Dante Moore, +450 at No. 2).

    Mendoza just led his team to a dominant Rose Bowl win. A question is whether the Raiders move on from QB Geno Smith, who leads the NFL in interceptions (17), and will sit out tomorrow’s Chiefs’ game with an ankle injury.

    Chatter About Trading Crosby

    This morning’s ESPN Index has the Raiders at 88.5% to choose No. 1, the New York Giants at 11.5%. If the Raiders beat the Chiefs tomorrow and the Giants lose to the Cowboys then New York gets the pick. The Cowboys are -190 moneyline favourites at FanDuel, the Giants are at +160.  The Chiefs are -255 ML favourites at FanDuel, the Raiders +210.

    Now, online chatter is just that. As Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson told reporters a few days ago, after he was asked about media chatter that he wanted out of Baltimore: “There’s always noise in the National Football League.” This morning’s chatter is about Crosby, the star edge rusher, who is looking at knee surgery (and reportedly was not happy about the organization’s decision to pull him from last weekend’s pivotal game against the Giants, pivotal from the perspective of needing to lose that game, to stand a better chance of grabbing that No. 1 pick?). Stories are that he is likely a trade candidate out of Las Vegas.

    Positioning for Mendoza

    This from Carroll yesterday, when asked about coaching:

    I love coaching. I really love being on the field. I love the strategy part of it, all the planning and all that. There’s been a lot of games, a lot of preparations. That still draws me in, the curiosity of how you can make the next right call or the right move with personnel, or the right decision. Those are still really intriguing to me. And, I’m basically pretty curious. I keep looking for something better in all ways we’re doing things, and that really generates the feeling of why I love this game.”

    If the Raiders fire Carroll, and Brady indeed takes on a more direct role in team decisions, the Raiders at least know they have a building block in running back Ashton Jeanty. The rookie from Boise State was mentioned in the same sentence as Saquon Barkley when the Raiders chose him in the draft last year, and while he hasn’t dominated, he still has 1,227 total receiving and rushing yards, and 10 total touchdowns, this season.

    More Brady Involvement

    NFL Network journalists Ian Rapoport and Tom Peliserro said this about Brady:

    “Legendary quarterback Tom Brady and his business partner Egon Durban have wielded significant influence since becoming Raiders minority owners last year. Brady is close with former Michigan teammate and current GM John Spytek, with both serving as the sounding board for one another. While Spytek was Brady’s GM target last year, Brady’s prime target for head coach was Ben Johnson, who took the Bears job instead. Expect Brady — who has spent little time in the Raiders building as he balances his broadcasting duties on Fox and other business interests — to increase his presence as the decision closes in.”

     

     

     

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    Mark Keast

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  • Judge to Hear Evidence Challenge in Tupac Shakur Murder Case

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    A Nevada judge will hear a defense motion seeking to suppress evidence in the long-awaited murder case against Duane “Keffe D” Davis, as the only person charged in the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur faces a trial delay until August 2026

    A Nevada district court is set to hear a defense motion next month that could shape the long-awaited murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, the only person ever charged in connection with the fatal shooting of hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur in 1996. Meanwhile, the trial itself has been postponed until the summer of 2026 as both sides deal with extensive evidence and pretrial legal battles.

    A motion to suppress evidence, filed by defense attorneys Robert Draskovich and William Brown, challenges the legality of the nighttime search of Davis’ Henderson, Nevada, home following his arrest in September 2023. Lawyers argue that the search warrant was improperly authorized, alleging that police misled a judge about Davis’ criminal status, potentially making key evidence inadmissible at trial. The hearing is expected next week in Las Vegas’ Clark County District Court in Nevada.

    In addition to the suppression motion, Davis’ defense team successfully persuaded a judge to delay the trial, which is now scheduled for August 10, 2026, citing the “overwhelming” amount of evidence that attorneys must review. The murder trial has now been pushed back multiple times. Defense filings had argued that more time was needed not only to examine the “voluminous discovery material” but also to interview witnesses who could contradict prosecutors’ timeline and assertions. The murder of Tupac Shakur is one of the country’s most infamous cold cases, with many witnesses now deceased as more time continues to pass.

    Davis’ counsel has also pursued other pretrial avenues, including motions to dismiss the charges entirely on constitutional grounds and appeals to the Nevada Supreme Court. They claimed Davis’ rights were violated by the nearly three-decade delay before charges were brought, and that statements he made in past interviews plus a 2019 memoir should be excluded or treated as fiction (and the fact that he entered into a proffer agreement at one point). A previous motion to dismiss was rejected, but an earlier appeal remains pending. Davis was notorious for allegedly speaking out on the death of Shakur for money and/or clout before he was finally arrested and charged.

    In a separate proceeding, Davis was sentenced in September 2025 to 16 to 40 months in prison after being convicted of a jailhouse fight with another inmate at the Clark County Detention Center. He’s expected to serve this sentence while continuing to await trial on the murder charge.

    The 1996 killing of Shakur, an iconic figure in rap music, occurred just off the Las Vegas Strip after the rapper attended a boxing match with Suge Knight (who was also injured in the shooting). Shakur was struck multiple times in the drive-by shooting and died six days later. No one had been charged in his death until the 2023 indictment of Davis, a former gang member whose public recounting of the shooting played a role in reigniting the investigation. Davis’ next court date is January 6, 2026.

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    Lauren Conlin

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  • Tommy Lee Jones’ Daughter Victoria’s Death: 911 Audio Provides New Details

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    There are new details in the death of Tommy Lee Jones’ daughter Victoria, 34.

    TMZ reports Victoria was found dead on New Year’s Day at Fairmont San Francisco.

    Dispatch audio obtained by the site reveals she may have suffered a drug overdose.

    The dispatcher can be heard saying, “Code 3 for the overdose, color change.”

    The San Francisco Police Department tells TMZ that officers responded to a call regarding a deceased person at 3:14 a.m. When they arrived, officers met with paramedics who had declared an adult female dead.

    According to TMZ, the Medical Examiner also conducted an investigation. At this time, Victoria’s cause of death is unknown.

    A source also told NBC Bay Area that a woman believed to be Victoria was found in the hallway of the hotel. The insider added that no foul play was suspected.

    Victoria was the daughter of Jones and his second wife Kimberlea Cloughley. They also share son Austin, 43.

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    extratv.com

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  • LG definiert Gaming neu: UltraGear evo feiert Premiere auf der CES 2026

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    LG definiert Gaming neu: UltraGear evo feiert Premiere auf der CES 2026

    Mit der neuen Premium-Gaming-Marke UltraGear evo stellt LG Electronics auf der CES 2026 ein Monitor-Line-up vor, das sich klar an ambitionierte Gamer richtet. Die Serie kombiniert hohe Auflösung, extreme Bildwiederholraten und erstmals eine 5K AI Upscaling-Technologie, die direkt im Monitor arbeitet.

    Zum Start umfasst das Portfolio drei Modelle: den LG 39GX950B, LG 27GM950B und den besonders großen LG 52G930B. LG setzt dabei auf eine Mischung aus OLED-, MiniLED- und UltraWide-Panels, mit Diagonalen von 27 bis 52 Zoll.

    Kern der neuen Serie ist eine eigens entwickelte On-Device-AI, die Bildinhalte in Echtzeit analysiert und auf 5K hochskaliert. Der Vorteil: Gamer profitieren von extrem scharfen Bildern, ohne ihre PC-Hardware aufrüsten zu müssen. Zusätzlich passt die KI auch den Klang dynamisch an das Spielgeschehen an.

    OLED mit Dual Mode für maximale Flexibilität

    Das 39-Zoll-Modell 39GX950B setzt auf Primary RGB Tandem OLED-Technologie und bietet hohe Helligkeit, präzise Farben und eine lange Panel-Lebensdauer. Das 21:9-Display ist leicht gekrümmt (1500R), erreicht 142 PPI und ist nach VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 zertifiziert. Besonders spannend ist der Dual Mode: Nutzer können zwischen 5K2K bei 165 Hz oder extrem schnellen 330 Hz bei WFHD wechseln – bei nur 0,03 ms Reaktionszeit.

    MiniLED-Weltneuheit in 5K

    Mit dem 27GM950B bringt LG den weltweit ersten 5K MiniLED-Gaming-Monitor auf den Markt. Dank 2.304 Local-Dimming-Zonen und „Zero Optical Distance“-Technologie werden Blooming-Effekte stark reduziert. Der Monitor erreicht bis zu 1.250 Nits Spitzenhelligkeit, unterstützt VESA DisplayHDR 1000 und bietet ebenfalls Dual Mode (165 Hz bei 5K oder 330 Hz bei QHD).

    Ultrawide-Gaming im Großformat

    Das Highlight der Serie ist der 52G930B, aktuell der größte 5K2K-Gaming-Monitor weltweit. Das extrem breite Panorama-Display mit 1000R-Krümmung umschließt nahezu das gesamte Sichtfeld und arbeitet mit bis zu 240 Hz. Die VESA DisplayHDR 600 Zertifizierung sorgt für hohe Kontraste und lebendige Farben.

    Mit UltraGear evo positioniert LG Gaming-Monitore klar im High-End-Segment und kombiniert Auflösung, Geschwindigkeit und KI-Technologie in einer bislang einzigartigen Form.

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    Johannes

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  • Fremont Street New Years Eve 2025 • This Week in Gambling

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    The powers that be have released the Fremont Street New Years Eve lineup for 2025 — and some longtime websites have already labeled it underwhelming. Sure, it’s still Vegas… and it’s still Fremont… and it’s New Year’s Eve. But this year’s event under the canopy will feature a roster of names that may not draw the same buzz as in past years. Still, it’s worth checking out the schedule just to see what’s up.

    The announced performers include Robin Thicke, CeeLo Green, Common Kings, Chingy, Pertinence and Sammy Johnson. Tickets are priced at $60. The schedule across three outdoor stages is slated as follows: on the 3rd Street Stage — live DJ at 7:00 p.m., CeeLo Green at 9:15 p.m., Robin Thicke at 11:30 p.m.; on the 1st Street Stage — DJ at 7:00 p.m., Sammy Johnson at 9:00 p.m., Common Kings at 11:30 p.m.; on the Main Street Stage — DJ at 7:00 p.m., Pertinence at 9:00 p.m., and Chingy at 11:00 p.m.

    Many who follow the event say the draw of New Year’s Eve on Fremont is not necessarily big-name stars, but rather the chaotic energy of a packed street under a giant LED canopy, the festive crowd, and proximity to downtown casinos. Historically, attendance has remained steady — around 10,000 to 12,000 — regardless of who’s on the bill or how high the price.

    Still, this year’s lineup has sparked discussion about whether the event’s appeal may finally be tested. With overall visitation to Las Vegas reportedly down, cost-cutting on talent might be a sign of changing times for Downtown’s marquee night. For some, that might not matter — they go for the lights, the crowd and the spirit. For others, the lack of standout acts makes it harder to justify a ticket.

    Whether this year’s crowd shows up in force or not, the name remains: Fremont Street New Years Eve remains the downtown alternative to Strip spectacle. But critics argue this year’s party may only deliver “just the vibe,” not the entertainment.

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    This Week in Gambling

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  • LG will show off a humanoid robot for household chores at CES 2026

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    LG will present a named CLOiD at in Las Vegas. With humanoid robotics sure to feature heavily at this year’s tech conference, LG has teased its home assistant before a full unveiling in January.

    The company says CLOiD’s two articulated arms with five individually actuated fingers are designed to help with a variety of household tasks. However, LG has not yet given a specific example of a task CLOiD can handle. We’re also not sure what it looks like, because aside from a couple of very close-up images of CLOiD’s hands, LG is keeping what the robot looks like under wraps until the show.

    LG said CLOiD is part of the company’s vision that “Zero Labor Home, Makes Quality Time.” It said its robot is a step toward a company goal of “freeing customers from the time-consuming demands of housework.”

    CLOiD’s chipset is housed in its head, which also sports a display, speaker, camera and a bevy of sensors meant to enable expressive communication. LG says its new robot is powered by its “Affectionate Intelligence” technology and is designed to interact in a neutral, user-friendly way. It’s also designed to refine its responses through repeated interactions with a user.

    CES often plays host to proof-of-concept products that offer a window into the future but may . It remains to be seen if CLOiD is simply a booth-side attention-getter or something with real potential. Visitors can see CLOiD handle some real-life scenarios at LG’s booth in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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    Andre Revilla

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  • Vegas New Years Eve Parties & Celebrations • This Week in Gambling

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    Vegas New Years Eve draws tens of thousands of visitors as the city transforms into a massive celebration zone featuring fireworks, parties, music, and street gatherings. The main attraction is the famous Strip fireworks show, timed to midnight, when resort rooftops explode in color. Dozens of resorts participate, launching coordinated displays that can be seen from many vantage points. Fireworks are supplemented by major celebrations downtown and throughout the city, giving visitors a wide variety of ways to ring in the new year.

    The Strip shuts down to traffic early in the evening. By around 6 p.m. major access points to Las Vegas Boulevard are closed and by 8 p.m. the entire Strip becomes a pedestrian-only zone. This closure turns the iconic boulevard into a walking party, allowing revelers to move freely between casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues without worrying about vehicle traffic. As streets fill with crowds, the atmosphere turns into a street festival stretching for miles.

    Downtown, another hotspot for celebrations is the area around Fremont Street. There, a large-scale party known for live music, light shows, and a public countdown adds energy for those wanting something other than the Strip crowd. From open-air stages and DJs to a festive crowd under neon lights, the downtown experience offers a lively and more relaxed alternative. For some, it’s a chance to enjoy urban nightlife without navigating the intense density associated with the Strip.

    Inside hotels and venues across the city, many offer special events — from rooftop viewing parties to live concerts and nightclub countdowns. Visitors seeking a more curated night can find everything from DJ sets at major clubs to more intimate gatherings with dinner, drinks, and champagne toasts as midnight approaches. For those looking to combine comfort and celebration, this option offers a controlled environment though at a higher cost due to demand.

    Public transportation and rideshare are recommended for getting around. With road closures and heavy traffic, driving — especially late at night — can be chaotic and expensive. Many visitors rely on buses, the monorail, or rideshares, though wait times and surge pricing are common. Hotels and venues encourage early arrival due to crowds and limited parking.

    Vegas New Years Eve remains one of the world’s most iconic year‑end celebrations, blending fireworks, nightlife, music, and a kaleidoscope of experiences. Whether you prefer the wild energy of the Strip, the downtown vibe, or something more reserved indoors, the options for welcoming the new year in Las Vegas are as varied as the city itself.

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    This Week in Gambling

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  • Top Las Vegas Ice Skating for Christmas • This Week in Gambling

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    Sin City offers a variety of ice skating options for residents and visitors, combining year-round indoor rinks with seasonal outdoor experiences. Those seeking Las Vegas ice skating can find locations that cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced skaters.

    Among the year-round rinks, the America First Center features two full ice sheets and offers open skating sessions, hockey programs, and lessons for children and adults. The City National Arena, home ice for a professional hockey team, also opens its doors to the public with skate rentals and guided sessions. Hylo Park Ice Arena provides a single sheet of ice for recreational skating and hockey, while the Las Vegas Ice Center has two sheets and offers skate aids for beginners. These facilities are popular for families, lessons, and community events, ensuring skaters have access to ice regardless of the season.

    Seasonal rinks like the Oasis at Fontainebleau add a festive atmosphere to the city during the winter months. The Strip hosts ice rinks on hotel grounds that transform outdoor spaces into winter attractions. Downtown Summerlin’s seasonal rink provides a social environment with music and flexible session times. Lake Las Vegas offers Neon Ice, a floating synthetic rink that gives skaters a waterfront view. These seasonal locations typically include skate rentals, concessions, and seating areas, making them appealing for both tourists and locals.

    Those planning to try Las Vegas ice skating are advised to dress in layers and wear gloves, particularly for outdoor rinks. Beginners should consider using skate aids or helmets to improve stability and prevent injuries. Arriving early can help avoid crowded sessions and ensure a better skating experience.

    Both indoor and seasonal rinks host private events, lessons, and community programs. Birthday parties, school outings, and corporate events are frequently held on the ice, giving skaters opportunities beyond recreational use. Coaches and staff at these facilities emphasize safety while helping participants develop skills in hockey, figure skating, and general ice skating.

    Las Vegas ice skating continues to grow as a recreational option, providing a cool alternative to the city’s desert climate. With multiple rinks available year-round and seasonal options adding festive charm, the city’s ice skating scene offers accessible, enjoyable experiences for families, tourists, and residents alike.

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    This Week in Gambling

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  • Las Vegas Holiday Fun & Seasonal Activities • This Week in Gambling

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    Las Vegas holiday fun is rolling out with an expanded slate of seasonal attractions this year as resorts and attractions aim to boost visitor numbers and offer alternatives to traditional casino entertainment. Organizers and venue operators say the goal is to broaden options for families and tourists seeking festive activities without relying solely on gaming.

    Highlights across the valley include long-running drive-through light displays, immersive light mazes at ballparks, and upgraded resort installations designed to appeal to a wide audience. Organizers report that popular spectacles now emphasize interactivity and extended run times to encourage repeat visits throughout the holiday stretch. Those moves mirror broader industry efforts to keep foot traffic steady during the typically busy year-end period.

    Resort lobbies and conservatories remain a focal point for seasonal displays. Curated themes this year place an emphasis on family-friendly visuals and photo-ready setups intended to attract social media traffic. Hotels are pairing decorations with seasonal dining menus and limited-time retail pop-ups, presenting a packaged experience aimed at staying competitive as more cities expand their holiday offerings.

    Outdoor options are also central to the season’s programming. Several venues are operating temporary ice rinks and skating trails, while others continue to present holiday-themed drive experiences that draw drivers from across the region. These attractions are being marketed as low-contact ways to enjoy Las Vegas holiday fun, an approach that venue managers say resonates with visitors looking for safe, controlled experiences.

    Entertainment lineups tied to holiday programming are varied, ranging from family shows and themed concerts to seasonal productions and market-style events. Promoters have shifted some programming times and ticketing models to spread attendance over multiple nights, a tactic intended to reduce congestion while maintaining revenue streams.

    Local tourism officials and business leaders are positioning this year’s holiday calendar as a test of the city’s ability to combine traditional Las Vegas spectacle with broader, family-oriented programming. Early indicators suggest steady demand for seasonal activities, particularly those that offer accessible pricing or multi-attraction packages.

    For visitors searching for Las Vegas holiday fun, this season delivers a blend of classic displays and newly marketed experiences. The combination of bright displays, temporary outdoor attractions and focused resort programming aims to keep the city in the holiday spotlight while expanding its appeal beyond its core gaming audience.

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    This Week in Gambling

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  • Las Vegas Remains Leading Candidate for NBA Expansion

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    Las Vegas has long been a potential target for NBA expansion, close enough to feel inevitable, yet far enough away to remain uncertain. This tension became more pronounced when NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated that the league would likely announce its expansion decision sometime next year, signaling that movement is finally coming.

    League Expansion Presents Unique Challenges

    Silver, who spoke ahead of the NBA Cup title game in Las Vegas, acknowledged the long road that has led to this point. The league has repeatedly delayed expansion, prioritizing a new collective bargaining agreement and a fresh media rights deal. Both are now finalized, removing the hurdles that once slowed the process. According to Silver, expansion is now a matter of assessing economic trade-offs.

    It’s not a secret we’re looking at this market in Las Vegas. We are looking at Seattle. We’ve looked at other markets, as well.

    Adam Silver, NBA commissioner

    Las Vegas has certainly felt the delay. The city has hosted the NBA Summer League for two decades, staged high-profile preseason and showcase games, and has a regular spot on the league’s calendar. However, Silver pushed back against the idea that the league deliberately delayed branching out to Las Vegas or Seattle, widely regarded as the leading expansion candidates.

    According to Silver, expansion is not just about adding teams. It is about selling equity in an already thriving league. Including two new franchises would dilute existing ownership stakes and impact each team’s revenue shares. Although expansion fees could reach into the billions and directly benefit owners, the long-term impact remains more challenging to estimate.

    Las Vegas Remains a Leading Sports Hub

    If expansion does materialize, Las Vegas boasts some unique advantages. The city has transformed itself into a major sports hub. The Raiders, Golden Knights, and Aces remain wildly successful, commercially and competitively. The arrival of the Athletics further cements Southern Nevada’s status as a permanent professional sports market rather than a novelty destination.

    Good infrastructure is another significant factor. Harry Reid International Airport boasts direct access from nearly every major US city, easing travel concerns for teams and fans. Meanwhile, theStrip’s hotel capacity remains unmatched. T-Mobile Arena already fulfills NBA standards, so a team could begin play without waiting years for a new building.

    The NBA is also considering relocation, with struggling franchises in smaller markets considered prime targets. However, Silver noted that such decisions rest with individual team owners, and lower-revenue markets are not unworthy of NBA teams. For now, Vegas remains hopeful as the league finally appears ready to choose a direction. Whether good or bad, the city should finally get its answer in 2026.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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