Shaq Returns to Las Vegas Youth Complex Site as $24M Project Reaches Halfway Point

The Shaquille O'Neal Youth Complex is on track for late 2026 completion and early 2027 opening.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:56pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant colors representing the construction materials, sports equipment, and Las Vegas skyline of the Shaquille O'Neal Youth Complex site.The Shaquille O'Neal Youth Complex construction site is deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, capturing the energy and progress of this transformative community project.Las Vegas Today

Shaquille O'Neal, along with UFC President Dana White and Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis, visited the construction site of the $24 million Shaquille O'Neal Youth Complex in Las Vegas. The 87,000-square-foot facility, being developed by The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada and Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada, is currently at the halfway point of construction and on track for a late 2026 completion and early 2027 opening.

Why it matters

The Shaquille O'Neal Youth Complex represents a significant investment in the Las Vegas community, providing a state-of-the-art facility for youth development programs, mental wellness resources, and athletic opportunities. The project's progress highlights the power of public-private partnerships and community collaboration to create transformative spaces for young people.

The details

The $24 million complex will include a 30,000-square-foot Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada clubhouse, the nation's first CIS Alumni Center, a UFC-branded mixed martial arts and boxing center, a Raiders-themed 54,000-square-foot multi-sports field, and a Lakers-themed gymnasium and basketball court. The facility will also feature an Early Childhood Learning center, mental wellness rooms, and technology and innovation labs for youth in grades PK-12.

  • Construction began on August 1, 2025.
  • The project is on track for late 2026 completion and an early 2027 opening.

The players

Shaquille O'Neal

NBA Hall of Famer and founder of The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation, which is developing the youth complex.

Dana White

President and CEO of the UFC, which is partnering on the project.

Mark Davis

Owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, which is also involved in the youth complex.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada

A youth development organization partnering on the project.

Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada

An organization focused on keeping students in school and helping them succeed, also partnering on the complex.

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What they’re saying

“I'm grateful to our dynamic board, the donors, and the partners who have stepped up to make this vision a reality for the young people of Las Vegas. This project shows what can happen when a community comes together with purpose.”

— Shaquille O'Neal

“The Shaquille O'Neal Youth Complex represents what's possible when we invest in students not just during their time in school, but beyond graduation.”

— Tami Hance-Lehr, CEO and state director of Communities In Schools of Nevada

What’s next

The project's Naming Campaign has reached 74% of its $5.4 million fundraising goal, and donors can help by naming rooms and spaces inside the facility. A timelapse video showing construction progress is also available from the project team.

The takeaway

The Shaquille O'Neal Youth Complex represents a collaborative effort to create a transformative space for young people in Las Vegas, providing a range of educational, athletic, and mental wellness resources. The project's progress highlights the power of public-private partnerships to drive positive change in local communities.