UNLV basketball receives record $8 million donation

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Monday, Feb. 8, 2021 | 11:37 a.m.

UNLV announced today that its basketball programs have received an $8 million gift from the estate of James Baumberger, the largest such donation in the university’s athletics history.

Baumberger, who died in 2016, was an avid UNLV basketball supporter dating back to the glory days of the men’s program under coach Jerry Tarkanian. The money will be spread equally among the men’s and women’s programs, as per the direction of his estate.

In a statement, UNLV President Keith Whitfield said the donation will change lives.

“This gift is transformational in every regard,” Whitfield said. “The impact on our basketball programs and athletics department is monumental and what it will mean for student-athlete success is even more exciting. It is a tribute to the trajectory of UNLV athletics and a testament to a true Rebel in Jim Baumberger who leaves us a life-changing legacy.”

Baumberger’s name will be added to the court in a ceremony before UNLV’s game against Air Force tonight. The floor's official name will remain Tarkanian Court at the Thomas & Mack Center, but Baumberger’s name will be prominently displayed.

Men’s basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger said the $8 million will be realized academically as well as athletically.

“We concentrate on the complete development of student-athletes as lifelong leaders, with education the cornerstone of sustained success,” Otzelberger said. “We will honor Mr. Baumberger and this wonderful gift through our student-athletes excelling on the court and in the classroom.”

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.