Cox Communications’ naming rights deal for the UNLV arena has ended, marking the first time in nearly 25 years the facility will be known simply as “The Pavilion.” The partnership between UNLV and Cox began in 1999, two years before the venue opened. With a capacity of about 3,000, The Pavilion hosts Lady Rebels basketball, NBA Summer League games, and various other events.
The original naming rights agreement was set at $5 million but was renegotiated to $3.4 million for the 1999-2005 period. In 2005, Cox agreed to a $1.6 million extension through 2012, followed by a $1.5 million deal for 2012-2017. The most recent agreement in 2017 provided Cox with naming rights in exchange for WiFi equipment and campus support, with no direct payment, and expired in 2024.
UNLV athletic director Erick Harper confirmed the university is actively seeking a new naming rights partner for The Pavilion, emphasizing the importance of such deals for both recognition and revenue. Despite the end of the official partnership, Harper noted the ongoing positive relationship between UNLV and Cox.