UNLV Runnin’ Rebels coach Josh Pastner officially walked back his wild comments on Monday, confirming his program is *not* actually for sale after he had openly solicited a $10-12 million buyer just days earlier. Pastner had previously put a massive price tag on the team, making headlines across the college sports landscape and sparking questions about the future of athletic programs.
Pastner’s “Buy the Team” Pitch Went Viral
Just last week, Pastner wasn’t just *suggesting* a sale, he was actively pitching it. With talks of an NBA franchise potentially heading to Las Vegas in the coming years, the UNLV head coach had a different idea for would-be investors. He told Taylor Rocha of KTNV, “Why buy the NBA team? Buy the college basketball team.” He claimed it was “legal now” and way cheaper than the billion-dollar price tag for an NBA team. Pastner was looking for a $10 to 12 million backer to become the “owner” of the Runnin’ Rebels, even touting a “great tax write-off” and the ability to tell everyone you own the team. It was a stunning pitch that sounded more like a business merger than traditional college athletics.
The Walk Back: “Not For Sale”
After the initial comments exploded, the UNLV Men’s Basketball account even put out a playful social media post comparing what else you could buy for $10 million, like a jet or a mansion, hinting at the absurdity of the situation. But Pastner quickly clarified on Monday that the program is “not for sale.” He stated his earlier “owner” reference was really meant to highlight the massive “level of resources, sponsorships, and overall support needed to compete in today’s evolving college athletics landscape.” This entire whirlwind shows just how blurry the lines are getting in college sports. With some schools even taking money from private equity firms and breaking off athletic operations into third-party entities, the idea of “ownership” is getting less outlandish by the day, even if Pastner’s specific proposal was a bridge too far.
This whole saga really shows how wild the world of college sports has become. It’s not just about who’s got the best recruits anymore; it’s about who can navigate this crazy new business model. Keep your eyes peeled, because this conversation about “resources” and “ownership” is definitely not going away.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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