The National Finals Rodeo will remain in Las Vegas until 2035, thanks to a new contract announced Monday.
The NFR often called the “Super Bowl of Rodeo,” has been in the valley since 1985, except in 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions temporarily moved the event to Arlington, Texas.
During the term of the new contract, the total payment to contestants and stock contractors will be $264,323,473.
The prize money for this year’s Dec. 5-14 event will be more than $16.2 million and will be $17.5 million next year. The amount will then increase by $1 million each year for the life of the new contract. Upon completion of the contract in 2035, the total payment to contestants and stock contractors will be more than $27.5 million.
Las Vegas Events and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association will contribute an additional $1.3 million this year and in 2025 as a signing bonus.
Additional elements of the agreement include a season-long marketing program and an official designation as an official sponsor of the PRCA, National Finals Steer Roping, NFR Open and sponsorships for all 12 National Circuit Finals Rodeos.
“Las Vegas is the sports and entertainment capital of the world and a great home for the National Finals Rodeo,” said PRCA CEO Tom Glause. “This is a historic agreement for the PRCA that benefits all PRCA members: contestants, stock contractors, committees and contract staff. “This agreement will move forward and help the sport continue to grow and provide security for the future.”
Bill McBeath, president of the Las Vegas Events Board of Directors, was also enthusiastic about the new agreement.
“After working with the PRCA and its representatives for nearly two years, I am pleased with our efforts to ensure Las Vegas is home to the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world through 2035,” McBeath said. “For nearly 40 years, Las Vegas has built a strong partnership with the PRCA and its stock contestants and contractors. “We believe the new agreement is beneficial to all parties and clearly demonstrates the commitment Las Vegas has to the NFR and the sport of rodeo.”
Tim Keener, president of Las Vegas Events, added: “I would like to recognize the tremendous dedication that Bill McBeath, Michael Gaughan, Tom Glause, and the PRCA have demonstrated over the past 20 months to secure the NFR extension. Our goal is to continue making the NFR a December tradition in our city. “We look forward to working with our partners to grow the NFR experience for rodeo fans in Las Vegas.”
In 2024, the NFR will take place December 5-14 at the Thomas and Mack Center.