LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Twenty-two years ago, Albert Hall and Warren LeGarie took a chance on Las Vegas.
What began as a six-team summer showcase has grown into the NBA's premier offseason event, with all 30 franchises now gathering annually in Southern Nevada.
WATCH | Taylor Rocha spoke with the co-founder of the NBA Summer League about the event's growth:
As NBA Summer League tips off Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion, Hall said the tournament's evolution has mirrored the city's own rise as a major league sports destination.
"We started, we just wanted to have a great basketball event," Hall said. "We had six, then eight, then 12, then 24 ... now all 30 teams. It's become this festival of basketball."
The event now features 76 games over 11 days and draws players, coaches, executives, scouts and fans from around the world.
Hall said he hopes Summer League has helped showcase what Las Vegas can offer as the NBA continues to evaluate expansion.
Sports
NBA expansion vote could move Las Vegas closer to franchise
"My partner Warren and I like to say we softened the beach," Hall said. "Hopefully that could lead to having some influence on a team."
Hall believes the tournament's success has been driven by more than the basketball itself.
"When you put on a big event, you have to accommodate fans — not just in the arena, but the travel, the hotels, the nightlife, the entertainment," Hall said. "That's all part of the equation."
That philosophy has extended to keeping the event accessible for local fans. General admission tickets start at $50 plus fees and include access to as many as eight games in a day. Hall said Summer League generated an estimated $275 million in economic impact for Southern Nevada last year.
"You're only going to be as successful as those who support you," Hall said. "We're in the market 12 months out of the year ... and it's great for the city."
This year's Summer League also features several local storylines. Las Vegas native and Liberty High School graduate Joshua Jefferson is expected to make his Summer League debut with the Brooklyn Nets after being selected in the first round of the NBA draft. Former UNLV players, including Donovan Williams, David Muoka, Caleb Grill, Elijah Harkless and Moses Wood, are also expected to compete.
Sports
Liberty High School grad Joshua Jefferson selected by Brooklyn in 2026 NBA Draft
Asked why he believes Las Vegas is a strong candidate for an NBA franchise, Hall pointed to the city's basketball tradition and worldwide appeal.
"Vegas has a great basketball history," Hall said. "Basketball is entertainment. The fact that you can get here from anywhere pretty much in the world now makes it appealing."
Summer League runs through July 19.
-
Washington takes AJ Dybantsa No. 1 in the 2026 NBA draft
The Washington Wizards took AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick in Tuesday night's 2026 NBA draft.
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first player to score in six World Cups
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments on Tuesday by getting two goals in Portugal's match against Uzbekistan. (Scripps News)
Iran's World Cup team now allowed to travel 2 days before next match
The U.S. is easing its restrictions on Iran's World Cup team, allowing the squad to travel into the country two days before its next match, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first player to score in six World Cups
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments on Tuesday by getting two goals in Portugal's match against Uzbekistan.
