MGM Resorts International has been honored at the 12th annual Sports Business Awards as the “Breakthrough of the Year” recipient by the Sports Business Journal and Sports Business Daily, a division of Street and Smith’s. The award was presented to the casino operator at the Sports Business Awards Ceremony in New York last week.

Launched in 2008, the Sports Business Awards were established by Sports Business Journal and Sports Business Daily to celebrate and recognize the leaders, visionaries and day-to-day practitioners who personify excellence in the business of sports. The 2019 nominees were recognized for excellence and outstanding achievement in the business of sports for the period from March 1, 2018 – February 28, 2019.

Responding to the plaudit, Chairman and CEO Jim Murren commented: “To win an award from the Sports Business Journal, one of the most recognizable sources for sports in the world, is an honor. As Las Vegas develops into a true sports destination, MGM Resorts will continue to invest in sports and look to create new and exciting partnerships. The sky is the limit.”  

In a statement, MGM highlighted last summer’s formation of the historic alliance naming it as the Official Gaming Partner of the NBA and WNBA. “As the first sports betting operator in the US to partner with a professional sports league in this category, MGM Resorts is a trailblazer, bringing millions of basketball fans and MGM Resorts guests together in an innovative and collaborative way,” it said.