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Last Week in Las Vegas Sports (Jan 20 – 26)

Golden Knights get bad news at the worst time, and the Raiders find their new head coach. Strap in for last week in Las Vegas sports (Jan 20 – 26).

Highlights

  • Kyle Busch faces an uncertain future
  • Raiders predicted to get a big boost in the run game
  • Golden Knights lose a key player
  •  Las Vegas Raiders find their new head coach
  • The CFB Championship is coming to Las Vegas in 2027

#5 Kyle Busch’s future up in the air 

Main point: Vegas native Kyle Busch might be looking for a new home in 2026

Kyle Busch used to be one of the most competitive drivers in NASCAR, which is why his recent performances are so frustrating.

The Las Vegas native failed to win a race in 2024 and didn’t qualify for the playoffs. These problems have raised questions about whether Busch will stay at Richard Childress Racing past 2025.

“When you look at the silly season, I’m gonna look at Kyle Busch, right? And he’s the one,” NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass said on a podcast. “I mean, if they perform well from the start, you think, okay he’s gonna stay but if they struggle, what is he going to feel about how much he is going to look, and where does he end up?”

Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas Raiders 2025 offseson, Las Vegas Raiders running back,
Source. Minnesota Vikings

#4 Las Vegas Raiders being linked to Pro Bowl running back

 Main point: The Raiders’ run game may be a focal point this offseason.

Nothing was more disappointing than watching the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2024 season. They finished the year with a 4-13 record, constant quarterback problems, and a struggling defense. After the 2024 season, they fired head coach Antonio Pierce, leaving everyone’s future in limbo.

Las Vegas might try to flip the script, however, by adding a much-needed boost of firepower to the mix.

“With both Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah hitting free agency, whoever takes over in Las Vegas will be looking to improve a run game that finished dead last in the league in 2024,” claims NFL.com’s Maurice Jones-Drew “Why not bring in a guy like Jones? His leadership skills have been raved about in both Green Bay and Minnesota, and the 30-year-old running back still thrives as a dual-threat playmaker.”

#3 Las Vegas Golden Knights get lousy news about William Karlsson

Main point: William Karlsson week to week after a lower-body injury

Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy announced that William Karlsson is now listed as week to week after suffering a lower-body injury during a game. The news leaves the Las Vegas  Golden Knights without one of their key players and will force them to look elsewhere on their roster.  It comes as they are on a 1-4 skid and barely hanging on to the top of the Pacific division.

“He’s a big loss for us,” forward Victor Olofsson said about Karlsson. “I think guys have got to step up and take a little bit more responsibility.”

Las Vegas Raiders, Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders head coach,
Source Las Vegas Raiders

#2 Raiders sign new leadership

Main point: Pete Carroll to take over as Las Vegas Raiders head coach

Pete Carroll is the new head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders. He allegedly agreed to a three-year deal with a fourth-year option. No definite figures have been released about how much Carroll will make, but the Raiders have thrown big money at coaches in the past.

Now that Carroll is at the helm, people are excited about the possibilities. Remember that Carroll is the same man who led the Seahawks to two Super Bowls and several winning seasons. 

#1 Las Vegas to host 2027 college football championship 

Main point: The  College Football Playoff National Championship game is coming in 2027 

Las Vegas is a premiere place to watch professional sports. The city recently hosted the Super Bowl, a Pro Bowl, and two WNBA all-star games. 

And in 2027, Vegas will host the College Football Playoff National Championship at Allegiant Stadium.

“College football fans across the country are going to be thrilled to hear this news today,” said Rich Clark, executive director of the College Football Playoff. “Las Vegas has shown the world they have amazing venues and boundless energy… I can’t think of a better stage to crowd the best team in college football in 2027. “

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