LAS VEGAS — As the NBA Summer League prepares to return to Las Vegas for its 22nd year, President Warren LeGarie says the excitement surrounding the event remains as strong as ever.
Speaking with Vegas Sports Today ahead of the 2026 NBA Summer League, LeGarie reflected on what continues to make the annual showcase special for basketball fans around the world.
“I’m most excited that it’s almost here,” LeGarie said. “Summer League, for me, is still filled with hope, possibilities, and optimism. You get to see young players in their first NBA moments and find out if all the hype was worth it. More importantly, you get to see who they are as people.”
Since its inception in Las Vegas more than two decades ago, Summer League has become a staple of the NBA calendar, providing fans with a first look at the league’s newest talent while drawing executives, scouts, coaches, and media members from around the globe.
LeGarie said his passion for the game remains unchanged despite overseeing the event for 22 years.
“You have to be a basketball fan first, second, and probably third,” he said. “You have to love the game, care about the game, and want the game to be better. That’s what has driven us from the beginning.”
Could a Team Win the Triple Crown?
When asked whether a franchise could potentially win the NBA Commissioner’s Cup, NBA Championship, and NBA Summer League title all in the same year, LeGarie joked that the idea might be worth exploring.
“If they ever hear about it, I’m going to claim it was your idea,” he laughed.
LeGarie noted that Summer League success has occasionally foreshadowed future NBA achievements. He pointed to the Golden State Warriors, who won a Summer League championship before eventually capturing an NBA title.
Keeping Summer League Affordable
One of the reasons Summer League has remained popular among both locals and tourists is its affordability. LeGarie said keeping ticket prices reasonable has always been a priority.
“We want people to feel like this is still the best entertainment value anywhere,” he said. “You can see up to eight or nine games in a day. We even throw in the air conditioning for free.”
LeGarie emphasized the event’s family-friendly atmosphere, noting that discounted youth tickets help make the experience accessible to fans of all ages.
“We want this to be a family affair,” he said. “We want people to come and share our joy and optimism for the game.”
The Stars of Tomorrow
Over the years, Summer League has featured future NBA superstars before they became household names. LeGarie highlighted players such as Stephen Curry and Jalen Brunson as examples of stars who began their NBA journeys in Las Vegas.
“These are the stars of tomorrow,” LeGarie said. “You get to see them up close and personal before they’ve told their story and before their basketball exploits are celebrated all over the world.”
Las Vegas Expansion Buzz Continues
Perhaps the most notable comments from LeGarie centered on the ongoing speculation surrounding a future NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas.
While stopping short of making any official announcements, LeGarie encouraged fans to continue supporting Summer League as a way of demonstrating the city’s passion for professional basketball.
“I believe it’s true,” LeGarie said when asked about expansion rumors. “Buy tickets, come to the gym, and prove to the NBA that this is an NBA city.”
LeGarie referenced comments previously made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who has described Summer League as the league’s “31st franchise” because of its importance to the basketball ecosystem.
“We bring the whole world of basketball together for two weeks,” LeGarie said. “Your vote is to buy a ticket. You’re showing the NBA that we really are an NBA city and that we’re ready to support an NBA team.”
With anticipation building for another Summer League and continued excitement surrounding a potential NBA expansion team, LeGarie believes Las Vegas remains at the center of the basketball world each summer.
“This is your first way of proving to the NBA that this is what we clearly want,” LeGarie said. “Words are cheap. Action is what counts.”
2026 NBA Summer League action tips off in Las Vegas next month at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion.
