LAS VEGAS (AP) — The National Finals Rodeo has found its home in Las Vegas for the next 12 years, securing a lucrative contract that commits over a quarter of a billion dollars to the contestants and stock contractors until 2035.
Announced jointly by Las Vegas Events and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association last week, the agreement solidifies the financial details that will keep the NFR in Las Vegas through 2035. Over the duration of the contract, a total of $264,323,473 will be paid out to the contestants and stock contractors.
This commitment from Las Vegas marks a historic milestone in the sport’s history, with the new agreement set to commence in 2024, replacing the previous contract that was set to expire in 2025.
Las Vegas Events will provide an additional $1.3 million as a signing bonus to the PRCA for contestant purse and stock contractor compensation in 2024 and 2025.
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For the 2024 NFR, contestants will receive prize money totaling $12,501,505 and stock contractors will be compensated $3,750,451, bringing the total payout to $16.2 million, including guaranteed prize money for NFR qualifiers.
In 2025, the prize money for both contestants and stock contractors will increase to over $17.5 million, with $13,501,505 allocated to contestants and $4,050,451 to stock contractors.
Each subsequent year through 2035 will see a $1 million increase ($769,231 for contestants and $230,769 for stock contractors) in purse money and compensation. Additionally, there will be annual salary raises for contract personnel.
Other elements of the agreement include a season-long marketing program, official designation as an Official Sponsor of the PRCA, National Finals Steer Roping, NFR Open, and presenting sponsorships of the 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,” stated PRCA CEO Tom Glause. “This agreement benefits every PRCA member and will contribute to the sport’s growth and future security.”
Bill McBeath, chairman of the Las Vegas Events Board of Trustees, expressed his satisfaction with the deal, emphasizing the strong partnership between Las Vegas and the PRCA over the years.
The NFR, renowned as the richest and most prestigious rodeo globally, has had 359 consecutive sold-out performances, featuring the top 15 contestants in various events. The qualification is based on the PRCA World Standings. In 2023, the event drew a total attendance of 157,580 over the nine fully-attended rounds of competition in Las Vegas.
Tim Keener, president of Las Vegas Events, commended the dedication displayed by key individuals in securing this significant financial extension for the NFR.
“We aim to uphold the NFR as a December tradition in our city and look forward to enhancing the NFR Experience for rodeo enthusiasts in Las Vegas,” Keener added.
In 2024, the NFR is scheduled to take place from Dec. 5-14 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
