UNLV’s athletic department is facing significant financial challenges as it works to manage its debt and fulfill contractual obligations. Currently, the department is $26 million to $31 million in debt and is only able to cover the first two years of new football coach Dan Mullen’s five-year, $17.5 million contract. Athletic Director Erick Harper is seeking to address these financial gaps through donations and increased revenue from football activities.
To boost revenue, UNLV has seen a rise in season ticket sales, with an additional 970 tickets sold for the 2025 season, taking the total to 5,031. Furthermore, the university plans to increase prices for single-game tickets and suite rentals. Revenue from football ticket sales has already increased to $2.5 million for 2025, up from $1.8 million the previous year.
In addition to ticket sales, UNLV is expecting a financial boost from the Mountain West conference, potentially receiving between $19 million and $24.8 million due to exit fees from schools leaving for the Pac-12. However, these funds are currently tied up in litigation.
The department’s personnel expenses are substantial, with projected spending between $23.6 million and $26.4 million annually over the next five years. Decisions regarding coaching staff, such as the future of men’s basketball coach Kevin Kruger, are also financially significant. Kruger faces pressure to perform in the Mountain West tournament to secure his position, as his buyout would be costly for the already indebted department.
Overall, UNLV is focusing on increasing revenue streams and managing expenses to navigate its financial situation, while also relying on potential conference funds and donor contributions to stabilize its athletic program.