The UNLV Professional Football Trade Competition will take place on March 7-8, 2026, at the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV. This event offers participants a unique opportunity to experience NFL trade negotiations and strategic planning in a realistic, competitive environment. Participants will represent NFL teams, navigating trade negotiations and compliance with NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) rules.

The early bird registration deadline is January 1, 2026. 

The regular registration deadline is February 1, 2026.

Registration for the competition will close on the deadline, or once there are 32 registered teams, whichever is sooner.

  • Special early-bird registration - $450 per team (for first five teams that sign up)
  • Early-bird registration - $550 per team
  • Regular registration - $700 per team

Teams are responsible for organizing and paying for their own travel and accommodation expenses in Las Vegas. Limited food and beverage will be provided during the competition. Click HERE for hotel recommendations. Refunds approved on a case-by-case basis.

Competition Format

The competition structure is divided into several key stages:

Team Assignments: Each team will receive a randomly assigned NFL team and its corresponding draft capital, based on the NFL's end-of-2024 season standings. Assignments will be sent via email two weeks prior to the event.

Goal Setting: Using their roster and draft capital, teams will develop both short- and long-term goals that guide their trade decisions and overall strategy.

Preliminary Negotiations: Before the competition begins, teams can engage in preliminary group chat discussions to explore potential trades with other teams.

Trade Period: On the first day, teams will have six hours to negotiate trades that must comply with CBA rules. All trades are subject to compliance review to ensure adherence to CBA regulations.

Presentations: Each team will deliver a 5-7 minute presentation to judges the following morning, explaining their trade strategies, goals, and the rationale behind their decisions.

The final schedule will be provided before the event. Below is a preliminary outline:
March 7, 2026 (Day 1):
Morning: Welcome session and briefing
Six-hour trade negotiation period split into two different sessions. 
Evening: Team preparation for presentations

March 8, 2026 (Day 2):
Morning: Team presentations to judges
Afternoon: Awards presentation. 

Judging Criteria

Judges will assess each team based on the following criteria:

  • Trade Compliance: Ensuring all trades adhere to CBA requirements.
  • Strategy and Creativity: Evaluating innovative approaches and strategic decisions.
  • Goal Achievement: Measuring how effectively trades align with stated short- and long-term goals.
  • Presentation: Assessing the clarity, organization, and persuasiveness of each team's presentation.

Team Assignments

 

Two weeks before the event, teams will receive:
 

  • A randomly assigned NFL team

  • Roster will be current to end-of-season

  • Corresponding draft capital for that NFL team

Teams will use this information to create strategic goals and prepare for the competition’s trading period.

Registration

Registration details are as follows:
Team Size: 3-6 participants
Maximum Number of Teams: 32

Fees
Special early bird: $450 per team (for first 5 teams to register)
Early Bird: $675 per team until January 1, 2026
$750 per team until registration ends
Registration ends February 14, 2026

All trades must comply with NFL CBA regulations, and trades will be reviewed to ensure adherence.

Yes, teams may not directly contact judges unless specified within competition guidelines.
 

Competition organizers will be available throughout the event to provide guidance.
 

Business formal attire is recommended for the presentation portion of the event.

Yes, teams will receive relevant resources, including CBA compliance guidance.

For any further questions, please reach out to us at sela@unlv.nevada.edu. 

Teams are expected to understand basic CBA rules related to trades, contracts, and salary cap. 

Teams will be added to group chats for preliminary trade discussions, Communication should remain professional. 

Trades must comply with CBA rules and will be reviewed for compliance. Non-compliant trades will be void. 

Competition staff will be available for inquiries throughout the event. 

Contact Information

For any further inquiries, please reach out to us at sela@unlv.nevada.edu. We look forward to hosting you at the UNLV Professional Football Trade Competition, organized by SELA at UNLV.