Soccer is a sport that is loved and celebrated around the world, and Las Vegas is a city that is known for its boundless entertainment and sports. For soccer enthusiasts residing in Las Vegas or visiting the city, the question of whether or not Las Vegas has a soccer team may come up. In this article, we will explore the answer to that question in more detail and discuss other interesting points about the sport and the city.
Minor League Soccer Teams in Las Vegas
Las Vegas may not be home to a Major League Soccer team yet, but there are a few minor league soccer teams that soccer fans in Las Vegas can root for. One of these teams is the Las Vegas Lights FC, which is a professional soccer team that plays in the United Soccer League (USL). This team was founded in 2017 and has since played its home games at Cashman Field located in downtown Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Lights FC
The Las Vegas Lights FC is an exciting and fun team to watch. One of the reasons they have become so popular is their unique and entertaining style of play that sets them apart in the USL. Not only is the soccer action thrilling, but fans are also met with DJs, cheerleaders, and other unique elements that help make the experience of attending a Las Vegas Lights FC game more fun and enjoyable.
The Effect of the Las Vegas Raiders on Soccer in Las Vegas
The arrival of the Las Vegas Raiders, a National Football League (NFL) team, has had a considerable impact on the Las Vegas sports scene, including soccer. The team’s presence has added an extra layer of excitement in the city, with fans of different sports moving around the city to attend games. Las Vegas soccer fans now also find themselves going to attend Las Vegas Raiders games, leaving less time to support the Las Vegas Lights FC and other minor league teams. Despite this, the Las Vegas Lights FC has remained popular among local fans and continues to draw crowds to its games.
The Possibility of a Major League Soccer Team in Las Vegas
Over the past few years, there have been several talks about bringing an MLS team to Las Vegas. The success and growth of the Las Vegas Lights FC have been factors that have further ignited discussions on the matter. Las Vegas has also been mentioned among the possible cities to be awarded an expansion team by the MLS. In 2019, MLS Commissioner Don Garber praised Las Vegas for its potentially unique and exciting opportunity to contribute to the league’s growth.
Sports Betting and Soccer in Las Vegas
Las Vegas has earned the reputation of being one of the most gambler-friendly cities globally, and it has actively embraced sports betting. With the legalization of sports betting in the United States, everything from professional teams to college sports and competitions from around the globe are fair game. This includes soccer events from across the world, including the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and different domestic leagues. Furthermore, sportsbooks in Las Vegas provide ample opportunities for fans to watch the games and cheer on their chosen teams while placing wagers.
Conclusion
Las Vegas is known globally for its entertainment and sports events. While it does not have a Major League Soccer team, the city has a great minor league soccer team in the Las Vegas Lights FC. The team has an eccentric style of play and entertaining games that make it a fan favorite. With the arrival of the Las Vegas Raiders and the love for sports in the city, discussions of an MLS team in Las Vegas are on the rise. Lastly, sports betting has added an additional layer of excitement to soccer events in the city, making it one of the most gambler-friendly destinations to enjoy sports.
