College Sports Established
1968
Location
Paradise, Nevada
College Name
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1968 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1999 - Present / Mountain West Conference
1982 – 1996 / Big West Conference
1970 – 1982 / Independent
Nickname
Rebels - The UNLV Rebels are one of the country's most beloved college sports teams, and their nickname has a unique origin story. The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) was founded in 1957 as an extension campus for the University of Nevada, Reno. When choosing a mascot for this new school, students wanted something to represent their Rebel spirit and honor local Native American tribes.
Thus, they chose “Rebels” as their official nickname because it represented freedom from traditional conventions and rules - just like many early settlers who left Europe to settle in America, seeking greater freedoms than those offered by European monarchies at that time. In addition to being brave pioneers who sought out liberty on foreign soil, these rebels were also associated with Native Americans through trade routes or intermarriage, which is why UNLV adopted red/black colors often used by some tribal nations living near what is now known as Las Vegas today!
In 1964 during its first year competing under NCAA regulations, UNLV officially became known as "the Rebels" after having been unofficially referred to by this name since its founding seven years earlier – making them one of only two Division I schools whose nicknames have remained unchanged since inception (the other being California State). As such, when you think about all things related to college sports – make sure you take special note & pay your respects to our courageous & pioneering university team: The Fighting Rebelettes!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 1
1990
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1958
- 1990
- 1994
- 2016
- 2020
-
The first basketball team of Nevada Southern (now UNLV) was formed
In 1958: The first basketball team of Nevada Southern (now UNLV) was formed and played its home games at Paradise, Nevada -
The Running Rebels First and Only NCAA Basketball Champs 1990
The 1990 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament involved 64 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of NCAA Division I men’s college basketball. It began on March 15, 1990, and ended with the championship game on April 2 in Denver, Colorado. A total of 63 games were played. UNLV, coached by Jerry Tarkanian, won the national ... -
Las Vegas Bowl Victory
In 1994: The UNLV Rebels football team won its first conference championship and played in the Las Vegas Bowl. -
REBELS CAPTURE 2016 MW TOURNAMENT TITLE
On Nov. 6, 2016, UNLV edges San Diego State in PK shootout in MW title game to reach NCAA tournament for first time in a decade. After a wild MW championship game in San Diego, the Rebels clinched the program’s first Mountain West Tournament title and NCAA Tournament berth since 2006. It also marked the first time the Rebels had ... -
The UNLV football team moved to Allegiant Stadium
In 2020: The UNLV football team moved to Allegiant Stadium, a new 65,000-seat venue shared with the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Rebels
For decades now, Rebel fans have been some of the most passionate supporters around. They show up for every game, decked head-to-toe with team colors and cheering loudly for their beloved team. It's no wonder that UNLV has become synonymous with success on both an individual level and a collective unit - something that only comes from having such dedicated fans behind them at every turn!
UNLV is also known for producing some fantastic players over its fifty-plus years of existence, including Larry Johnson (who was named Naismith College Player Of The Year), Stacey Augmon (a three-time All-American), Greg Anthony (an NBA champion), Shawn Marion(a four-time NBA All-Star)and many more. These former players are just part of what makes this program so special - not just because they achieved great things while playing here but also because they continue to be involved with current student-athletes by offering advice or attending events like homecoming games or alumni reunions.
This year marks yet another milestone for UNLV: its 50th-anniversary celebration! Several events throughout Las Vegas will honor past accomplishments and look forward to future successes to commemorate this momentous occasion. Fans can expect plenty of festivities surrounding these celebrations, so don't miss out on your chance to join fellow Rebel faithful!
Sports Fan Products
