In one of the most popular tourist destinations across North America, there is never a shortage of exciting attractions to visit each month. Global Gaming Insider continues its series by showcasing the most prominent events and shows coming to Las Vegas during July 2026 across sports, entertainment and new conferences & exhibitions.
Major Las Vegas sporting events taking place in July
WNBA: Aces kick off new season as reigning champions
The Las Vegas Aces have enjoyed tremendous success ever since making the move from San Antonio in 2018, having won three championships in that span and each coming within the past four years. Behind four-time Most Valuable Player A’ja Wilson, the Aces have become possibly the most dominant franchise in WNBA history over the course of the 2020s, and continue to play their home games at Michelob Ultra Arena inside Mandalay Bay.
In July alone, the Aces have home matchups scheduled against popular franchises such as the Chicago Sky, Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever and a New York Liberty team which has slowly become a rival to Las Vegas’ recent success. Having won the championship from the Aces in 2024, the July 30 matchup against the Liberty should be on the calendar of many in Las Vegas, as well as those coming to town for some incredible WNBA action.
UFC: McGregor makes his return to the octagon
In what may be the most highly anticipated event hosted from Las Vegas this month, former UFC champion Conor McGregor will make his return to the octagon for the first time in just over five years on July 11. As part of the UFC 329 event, McGregor will take on Max Holloway in a welterweight bout, the first match since he lost to Dustin Poirier via doctor’s stoppage on July 10, 2021.
McGregor is best known for becoming the first UFC fighter in history to simultaneously hold the featherweight and lightweight titles, but has struggled to return to the same level of dominance since losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018. Also on the fight card is a bout between Benoit Saint Denis and Paddy Pimblett, as well as the UFC debut of Gable Stevenson against Elisha Ellison.
NBA Summer League returns to Thomas & Mack Center
Beginning on July 9 and representing Las Vegas’ 22nd consecutive year hosting the event, NBA Summer League will once again feature the best young stars who were recently drafted into the league. Coming off the 2026 NBA Draft, players such as AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson are expected to serve as the most noteworthy names participating in Summer League this year. The four names represent the top four respective selections of the 2026 NBA Draft, coming off the well-attended debuts of young stars like Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper. With a roster of talented players set to arrive in Las Vegas, NBA Summer League should have no issue finding strong attendance, especially with the city serving as a potential destination for the league’s next franchise.
Which entertainment and tradeshows are must-see in Las Vegas during July?
Sports, Entertainment & Innovation Conference
From July 7-9, the world's leading minds in sports, entertainment and innovation come together at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to shape the future of these dynamic sectors. The tradeshow is focused on exploring the future of fan engagement and addressing critical social issues through sport and media, while also serving as a launchpad for new ventures. SEICon features thought leaders from various sectors including public and private sectors, academia and non-profits to foster an environment of dialogue, new ideas and innovative partnerships.
Ed Sheeran headlines Allegiant Stadium
The pop artist will make his return to Allegiant Stadium on July 18 and 19, offering residents and tourists of Sin City a back-to-back showcase at one of the country’s most notable venues. As part of his Loop Tour in 2026, Sheeran will once again grace the Allegiant Stadium stage after last visiting in 2023 while promoting his Play album. Now on his eighth studio album, Sheeran will likely sell out the 65,000+ seat venue, having gained well-known recognition across what has now become a 15-plus-year career.
Residencies continue to dominate Las Vegas’ music scene
Kenny Chesney will begin a new residency at The Sphere on July 1, running through July 11 and offering a full-tilt brand of American music. While most nights have already been sold out, plenty of shows from Chesney’s residency still remain for Las Vegas residents and country fans looking to see one of the most iconic names in the genre. Mary J. Blige will also continue her residency at the Dolby Park Theatre in Park MGM, while Kelly Clarkson is set to take over Caesars Palace from July 17–31.
Las Vegas’ gaming legacy shines once again
World Series of Poker returns to Sin City
The World Series of Poker Main Event, including the $10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em Championship, runs from July 3-16 at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe, representing the single most prestigious poker tournament in the world. The event routinely draws more than 10,000 entries and creates a final table which will be televised globally in November.
The World Series of Poker Main Event transforms the Strip into a poker festival as well, with the convention space at Paris becoming a massive card room with hundreds of tables running 24 hours per day. Satellite tournaments with buy-ins as low as $400 give recreational players a shot at winning their way into the Main Event, while cash games run at every limit in the adjacent Horseshoe poker room.
For spectators, the World Series of Poker Main Event is free to watch from the rail during most events. The energy during day one of the Main Event is particularly exciting, when thousands of players take their seats simultaneously, offering an unmatched poker experience for residents and tourists of Las Vegas alike.
The NGCB released the state’s total gaming activity for May 2026 on June 29, as operators generated nearly $1.4bn of revenue, equating to an increase of 7.4%
