UNLV Basketball Coach Walks Back Sale Comments
UNLV basketball coach Josh Pastner has walked back his previous claim that the program was for sale, saying it is not up for purchase at any price. Days after he suggested a $10 to $12 million investment could make someone the “owner” of the Runnin' Rebels, Pastner clarified his remarks.
“I want to clarify my recent comments regarding support for the UNLV men's basketball program,” said Pastner 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.”
According to reporting by CBS Sports - Headlines.
The College Sports Ownership Model
The fact that Pastner's remarks needed clarification is a sign of how fluid the college sports business model has become. With some schools taking money from private equity firms and others breaking off their athletic operations into third-party entities, the concept of “ownership” isn't as far-fetched as it used to be.
Initial Comments and Context
In an interview with Taylor Rocha of KTNV amid uncertainty over who could own a potential NBA franchise in Las Vegas, Pastner presented an alternative idea. He suggested fans might prefer buying the UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball program instead, arguing it was more affordable: “Sell @TheRunninRebels? Why buy the NBA team? Buy the college basketball team.”
UNLV's Response and Social Media Playfulness
On Sunday, UNLV followed up with a playful social media post listing other things that could be purchased for $10 million, such as a jet or a mansion, thereby highlighting this point. The university ultimately issued its Monday clarification.