LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV Athletics generates more than $109 million in added income to the local economy on an annual basis, according to a recent economic impact analysis conducted by Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics.

The study, which may be found by clicking here along with the fact sheet, highlights that UNLV Athletics creates value in many ways, including playing a key role in helping student-athletes increase their employability. UNLV Athletics also generates new dollars and opportunities for Clark County through operations and visitor spending, human capital, and a strong return on investments from its major stakeholder groups.

"UNLV Athletics is proud to contribute to the thriving local economy and to deliver measurable returns for our stakeholders," UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper said. "This report highlights not just the financial impact we create through events and operations but also the lasting value that we provide for our student-athletes, alumni, and the broader community. The continued success of UNLV Athletics reflects our commitment to excellence both on and off the field, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to build on this foundation. Our impact goes beyond sports, as we play a pivotal role in shaping futures, driving growth, and supporting the local economy."

Highlights from the study, which examined data from within Clark County illustrating the economic impact of UNLV Athletics from the 2021-22 fiscal year, include:

• 1,372 total local jobs supported

• $49.3 million of added income to the local economy from visitor spending

• Student-athlete benefit-to-cost ratio of 7.8 is significantly higher than general public

• 20% return for every tax-payer dollar spent

• UNLV degree adds $24,500 on average to annual salary

"Strong athletics programs are essential to our success as a university, as they drive community engagement, pride, and a sense of belonging for our students. As this study shows, university athletics also generate real economic impact for UNLV, our city, and our state," said UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield. "UNLV is Las Vegas' original home team and has a bright future, and we're proud of our contributions to a growing regional sports economy that's primed to become a global leader."

The complete economic impact study's framework consisted of measuring data from the following categories: operations spending impact, visitor spending impact, student-athlete spending impact and alumni impact. In addition, the analysis presented evaluated UNLV Athletics as an investment from the perspectives of student-athletes, taxpayers, and society in the area.