UNLV basketball program ‘not for sale’: Runnin’ Rebels coach Josh Pastner walks back wild claim


The UNLV basketball program is, in fact, not for sale. Days after Runnin’ Rebels coach Josh Pastner put a $10-12 million price tag on his squad in widely shared comments to a local TV reporter, he walked back his remarks Monday.

“I want to clarify my recent comments regarding support for the UNLV men’s basketball program,” Pastner said in a statement. “The Runnin’ Rebels are not for sale, and my reference to an ‘owner’ was meant to highlight the level of resources, sponsorships, and overall support needed to compete in today’s evolving college athletics landscape — not to suggest anyone could own the program.”

The fact that Pastner’s remarks needed clarification are a sign of how fluid the college sports business model has become. With some schools taking money from private equity firms and some universities breaking off their athletic operations into third-party entities, the concept of college sports “ownership” isn’t as far-fetched as it used to be.

Pastner’s initial comments came as he looked ahead to the expected arrival of an NBA franchise to Las Vegas in the coming years. Amid uncertainty over who could own the franchise, Pastner presented an alternative.

“Buy the college basketball team,” he said in an interview with Taylor Rocha of KTNV. “It’s legal now. You can be the owner of UNLV Runnin’ Rebels men’s basketball team, and it’s a lot less expensive. You don’t have to spend over a billion dollars to own our team. I’m asking for $10 to 12 million to own our team. You still get a great tax write-off and you can be as involved, and you can tell everyone you’re the owner of the team.”

UNLV followed up on Sunday with a playful social media post listing other things you can purchase for $10 million such as a jet or a mansion before Pastner issued his Monday clarification that the Runnin’ Rebels are not actually for sale.





Source link

  • Related Posts

    Griffin Conine’s walk-off hit snaps Marlins’ 12-game skid

    Jul 27, 2026, 10:17 PM ET MIAMI — Clayton McCullough breathed a sigh of relief. The Marlins finally won a game. Miami overcame two-run, ninth-inning deficit in the ninth on…

    The Hundred 2026 results: Lauren Bell helps Southern Brave win thriller against MI London

    The Hundred women’s competition, Utilita Bowl Southern Brave 126-7 (100 balls): Wolvaardt 35 (30); Matthews 4-22 MI London 125-3 (100 balls): Wyatt-Hodge 52* (42); Wong 1-20 Southern Brave won by…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    As rivals chase acquisitions, Peacock bets on bundles through a new deal with YouTube

    As rivals chase acquisitions, Peacock bets on bundles through a new deal with YouTube

    United & Delta Become Latest Airlines To Ban Humanoid Robots From All Flights

    United & Delta Become Latest Airlines To Ban Humanoid Robots From All Flights

    Tim Hortons is celebrating Harry Potter's 25th anniversary with new menu items and merch for a limited time

    Tim Hortons is celebrating Harry Potter's 25th anniversary with new menu items and merch for a limited time

    In final Michigan Senate Democratic debate, Stevens and El-Sayed spar over outside spending and personal attacks

    In final Michigan Senate Democratic debate, Stevens and El-Sayed spar over outside spending and personal attacks

    Fit For a Spartan: Win a 1:18 Replica of a Special Halo-Inspired Ride

    Fit For a Spartan: Win a 1:18 Replica of a Special Halo-Inspired Ride

    The Pretty Legging Trend That Will Define Fall 2026

    The Pretty Legging Trend That Will Define Fall 2026