LAS VEGAS — The 2026 NBA Summer League officially tipped off Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center, but for longtime Summer League executive Warren LeGarie, this year’s event already marked one of the most memorable moments in its history.
Just one day before opening night, Clark County officially proclaimed July 9 as NBA Summer League Day, recognizing the event’s lasting impact on Las Vegas and its role in the city’s rise as a global basketball destination.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house,” LeGarie told Vegas Sports Today. “Albert and I looked at each other and couldn’t believe it. After driving past the Welcome to Las Vegas sign for all these years, we never imagined we’d one day be honored there. It was a special moment for Summer League and for its history.”
LeGarie said the official proclamation will be displayed in the organization’s Las Vegas office, serving as a lasting reminder of the milestone.
As excitement continues to build around the possibility of NBA expansion, LeGarie also addressed reports that the ownership group behind the Las Vegas Blackjacks has entered the conversation as a potential bidder for a future NBA franchise.
“From the conversations I’ve had with the league, there are no favorites right now,” LeGarie said. “We’re open to every group. We want to help anyone who wants to bring the NBA to Las Vegas. They can rely on our experience, and we’re happy to share anything that can help their efforts.”
Opening night also featured one of the Summer League’s most anticipated matchups, highlighted by highly touted prospects A.J. Dybantsa and Darren Peterson.
“We’ve been talking about these kids for a couple of years,” LeGarie said. “Now we finally get to watch them begin their professional journeys. Every NBA All-Star starts somewhere, and every year many of them begin right here in Las Vegas. Hopefully, one day we’ll be watching these two in the NBA All-Star Game.”
LeGarie encouraged fans to continue supporting Summer League as Las Vegas pushes toward securing an NBA franchise.
“If you want Las Vegas to be an NBA city, show the NBA by coming out and supporting Summer League,” he said. “Adam Silver has called us the league’s 31st franchise. Buy tickets, come every day and show the NBA that this city is serious about having a team.”
Looking ahead, LeGarie noted that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is scheduled to hold his annual Summer League press conference Tuesday. The event will also feature the NBA Sports Business Classroom, which gives aspiring executives hands-on experience in the business of basketball, along with the Summer League Film Festival showcasing basketball documentaries.
Among this year’s featured films are projects highlighting NBA legend Jerry West, Hall of Famer George Raveling, Elton Brand, and Soul Power, a documentary exploring the NBA’s merger with the ABA.
“Whatever your interests are,” LeGarie said, “there’s something here for everyone.”
