Coach Josh Pastner Sets the Record Straight
During a recent press conference, Josh Pastner, the head coach of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas men’s basketball program, took the opportunity to set the record straight on a phrase that had sparked confusion across social media.
He explained that when he spoke of looking for an ‘owner,’ he was not referring to a potential sale of the team. Instead, the comment was meant to highlight the substantial resources required to sustain a competitive program in the modern college athletics landscape.
The Program’s True Ownership
Pastner underscored that the Runnin’ Rebels are an integral part of UNLV, owned by the university and its broader community of students, alumni, and supporters in Southern Nevada.
'This program belongs to UNLV,' he said, 'and to the fans who fill the stands, the alumni who cherish the tradition, and the city that rallies behind its teams.'
The coach also touched on the financial realities facing many mid‑major programs, noting that funding, scholarship limits, and facility upgrades are constant challenges that cannot be solved by a simple transaction.
By framing the discussion around resources rather than ownership, Pastner hopes to shift the conversation toward how the university and its partners can continue to invest in a competitive, student‑focused athletics experience.