Full Breakdown
2026 Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame Induction Honors Local Legends
5/9/2026, 11:25:04 PM
Induction Ceremony Overview
On May 8, 2026, the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame (SNSHF) held its annual induction ceremony at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson. The event recognized five individuals—Mark Davis, Tim Grgurich, Ryan Moore, Mark Warkentien—and honored automotive entrepreneur Cliff Findlay with the inaugural Legacy Award. The ceremony celebrated contributions that have shaped Southern Nevada’s sports culture and raised funds for youth-sports programs.
Hall of Fame Background & Purpose
Founded as a nonprofit organization, the SNSHF honors athletes, coaches, executives, and community leaders whose achievements have advanced sports in the region. With the 2026 class, the Hall’s membership rose to 137 inductees. Proceeds from the ceremony are earmarked for local youth-sports initiatives that promote leadership, values, and character through athletic participation.
Inductees and Their Contributions
- Mark Davis – Owner and managing partner of the Las Vegas Raiders and former owner of the Las Vegas Aces. Davis oversaw the Raiders’ relocation from Oakland, the construction of Allegiant Stadium, and the Aces’ three WNBA championships (2022, 2023, 2025). He also funded a $50 million purpose-built WNBA headquarters, influencing league-wide facility standards.
- Tim Grgurich – A basketball coach with more than five decades of experience. As Jerry Tarkanian’s top assistant (1981-1992), Grgurich helped guide UNLV to three Final Four appearances and the 1990 national championship. He later served on NBA staffs, including the Seattle SuperSonics, and received the Tex Winter Assistant Lifetime Impact Award.
- Ryan Moore – A UNLV-produced golfer who captured the 2004 U.S. Amateur and NCAA individual titles, becoming the first player to win five major amateur events in a single year. Turning professional in 2005, Moore has secured five PGA Tour victories and made over 450 cuts.
- Mark Warkentien – Former UNLV assistant coach and athletic administrator who contributed to the 1990 national championship. In the NBA, he rose to vice president of basketball operations for the Denver Nuggets, earned NBA Executive of the Year (2009), and later directed player personnel for the New York Knicks.
- Cliff Findlay – Former UNLV forward, automotive-industry leader, and longtime supporter of local athletics. The Legacy Award recognizes his sustained philanthropy and community engagement.
Data & Statistics
- Inductees: 5 (including Legacy Award recipient)
- Total Hall members after 2026 class: 137
- Mark Davis’s Raiders/Aces portfolio value: ? $410 million (2026)
- Living-Grace Homes (unrelated) – omitted as tangential
Why It Matters: Impact on Southern Nevada Sports Landscape
The inductees collectively illustrate how private investment, coaching expertise, and community philanthropy have elevated Southern Nevada’s sports profile. Davis’s public-private partnership on Allegiant Stadium generated a profitable venue that helped Clark County repay bonds. Grgurich’s and Warkentien’s coaching legacies underpin UNLV’s historic basketball reputation, while Moore’s golfing success highlights the region’s ability to produce elite athletes. Findlay’s ongoing support fuels youth-sports programs, reinforcing the Hall’s mission to nurture future talent.
Official Statements & Responses
Hall of Fame Executive Director Jim Lambright said the class “recognizes a foursome of inductees who have profoundly contributed to the sports landscape in Southern Nevada and an individual that continues to contribute to the vitality of our community.” Mark Davis emphasized that the honor reflects collective effort, noting, “It’s not about me, it’s about we.” The organization highlighted that proceeds will fund youth-sports initiatives across the valley.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting viewpoints or criticisms were reported in the source material.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s not about me, it’s about we,” — Mark Davis, Raiders owner
- “When coming and creating a public-private partnership like we did to build Allegiant Stadium, there was a lot of what ifs,” — Mark Davis
- “The Class of 2026 recognizes a foursome of inductees who have profoundly contributed to the sports landscape in Southern Nevada and an individual that continues to contribute to the vitality of our community,” — Jim Lambright, SNSHF Executive Director
- “I believed in these women and it was great going to the games.” — Mark Davis, on acquiring the Las Vegas Aces
- “We love this neighborhood. … I love Henderson.” — Mark Davis, on community ties
What’s Next
The SNSHF will continue its annual induction cycle, with proceeds earmarked for expanding youth-sports programs. Upcoming regional events include the 2026 UNLV basketball recruiting showcase and the start of the Raiders’ 2026 NFL season, both expected to benefit from the momentum generated by this year’s honorees.
