To the average Las Vegas Raiders fan, they see everything on the field: The last-minute touchdown passes, the dropped balls and the defensive stops. But what fans don’t see is what happens behind the scenes. Professional sports organizations are businesses, after all. A lot goes into the final product that the public sees. Las Vegas Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan deserves a lot of credit for the business – and community — success of the professional football organization. However, she’s definitely all about sharing credit with her own team of colleagues.
“To deliver wins off the field, there needs to be extraordinary talent leading our sports institution and a culture of collaboration and accountability at all levels,” Morgan says. “That starts with a world-class leadership team that is both committed to our mission and reflects our fan base and the communities touched by our organization.”
Morgan, who was raised in Las Vegas and previously served as a city attorney for North Las Vegas and chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, was recruited in the summer of 2022 to be the Raiders’ next president. Her hiring marked a milestone, as Sandra Douglass Morgan became the first Black female president of an NFL team.
But Morgan, who graduated from the UNLV Boyd School of Law, already had close ties to the NFL. She is married to Former Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals Safety Don Morgan. Sandra Douglass Morgan says her husband has been supportive and “incredibly helpful” in sharing his first-hand football knowledge.
“He speaks the language and has truly been so encouraging and supportive. He often shares his experience as a player and an alumnus, which helps me focus on making our organization better,” Sandra Douglas Morgan says of her husband. “Don knew in 2017, when the Raiders’ move to Las Vegas was approved, that the team would transform our region, and he was right. Traveling with Don during his playing career exposed me to the strong sense of community and commitment to a common goal that’s cultivated within a team.”
A Diverse Upbringing made the Raiders’ President Uniquely Qualified
Sandra Douglass Morgan grew up in Las Vegas as the daughter of a member of the Air Force and a Keno runner of Korena descent. She credits much of her success to the emphasis placed on education as she grew up.
“Despite coming from very different backgrounds, they both instilled in me the importance of working hard in school, saying what you mean, and doing what you say,” she credits her parents. “(That) provided me with a strong foundation and constant reminder of the importance of treating people with respect and dignity. I do believe that foundation opened so many doors for me in my professional life.”
The new Raiders’ president has her roots in the Las Vegas Valley, which made the fit perfect for a team that only played their first game in Las Vegas in 2020. Her responsibilities go beyond success on the field. Off the field, the Raiders strive to give back to their new home.
“All the roles I have held in my career have prepared me for this moment, to lead a team that has made an indelible impact on our fans and our community. I was raised in Nevada and know what makes this city and region great because I have served it in so many capacities…” she explains.
As the Raiders’ president, Morgan also has the job of making the experience of going to Allegiant Stadium – the home of the Raiders – unforgettable, regardless of the event.
“My mission is to utilize our team’s resources to have Allegiant Stadium as the premier destination for Raider games, concerts, and events with best-in-class service,” the Raiders president says. “Many of our fans and visitors are accustomed to the phenomenal hospitality that Las Vegas has to offer, and we know that Allegiant Stadium has to meet that level of service.”
So, while many know the players on the field, Sandra Douglass Morgan is a star of the Las Vegas Raiders who will never need to complete a touchdown pass. She’s given the Raiders wins in ways that will transcend the football field.
After all, Sandra Douglass Morgan wants a “level playing field” and has already made strides by providing women with more opportunities in the Raiders’ organization.
The newest Raiders’ president is only getting started. “The best is yet to come,” she promises.”
Vegas Legal Magazine Q & A with Las Vegas Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan
Sandra Douglass Morgan: Being the first Black woman to lead an NFL franchise is the opportunity of a lifetime. The emergence of Black women in sports leadership is the first of many steps to level the playing field. I feel a sense of responsibility to open doors for the next generation of women, girls, and people of color so they can realize the possibilities and professional opportunities before them. They are our future team presidents, general managers, and coaches. The best is yet to come.
VLM: The NFL is a male-dominated sports business. What challenges have you experienced being a woman in this sports industry?
SDM: Sports today is undergoing a lot of change, as is the broader business world around us. Historically male-dominated industries like sports or gaming are diversifying, with more women and people of color occupying roles at every level. Despite our progress, too many barriers still exist that prevent women from achieving their full potential. I’m committed to breaking down these barriers, including recent new hires and promotions of three women within our executive team. To deliver wins off the field, there needs to be extraordinary talent leading our sports institution and a culture of collaboration and accountability at all levels. That starts with a world-class leadership team that is both committed to our mission and reflects our fan base and the communities touched by our organization.
VLM: You have such a diverse background as both an attorney and a former chairwoman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. How do you think your past experience will help in your role as the president of the Las Vegas Raiders?
SDM: All the roles I have held in my career have prepared me for this moment to lead a team that has made an indelible impact on our fans and our community. I was raised in Nevada and know what makes this city and region great because I have served it in so many capacities – from city attorney for North Las Vegas to chair of the (Nevada) Gaming Control Board, and now President of the Las Vegas Raiders. My mission is to utilize our team’s resources to have Allegiant Stadium as the premier destination for Raider games, concerts, and events with best-in-class service. Many of our fans and visitors are accustomed to the phenomenal hospitality that Las Vegas has to offer, and we know that Allegiant Stadium has to meet that level of service. As a long-time resident, I know that our employees expect that the Raiders will continue to meaningfully address inequality, social justice, and environmental concerns so we can exist as a beacon of opportunity for not only Raider Nation but for the citizens of Nevada who cultivate a region our players and fans love.
VLM: When it comes to football, I think a lot of people understand what a coach does, or an NFL owner’s job includes. Could you explain to our readers more about what the role of an NFL president includes? What are some of your main duties?
SDM: As President, I’m responsible for our team’s success off the field. There’s a lot included in that, from being a good partner to our sponsors to stadium operations, suite, and loge sales and experiences, preserving Raiders’ rich history, philanthropy, game day experiences, The Raider Image stores, community engagement, and more. For me, the most essential part of my job as President is making sure every member of our organization feels supported and empowered so we can bring our best both on and off the field.
VLM: You were raised in Las Vegas and really saw the Las Vegas Valley grow. You also graduated from UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law. Can you talk about how your local ties could assist you in your job as the president of the Las Vegas Raiders?
SDM: I understand firsthand the impact this city has on the young people, families, and businesses that call it home. The arrival of the Raiders just a few years ago has forever changed the landscape of our community and created opportunities we never dreamed were possible. The Raiders are committed to being a positive steward for the entire Las Vegas community through philanthropy, economic empowerment, and a guiding sense of responsibility to others. Our team has worked with countless nonprofit and community organizations over the years, and it’s a privilege to continue that support through the Raiders Foundation, which has donated nearly $10 million across the region to organizations like the Three-Square Food Bank, Nevada’s National School Lunch and Breakfast Program, and the Nevada COVID-19 Response Fund. We are proud of our work here in the community, but there is still much to do. All Raiders, our players, our coaches, and our business and football operations teams are committed to this region, its people, and the fans of Raider Nation.
VLM: Your father was an Air Force master sergeant at Nellis Air Force Base, and your mother was a casino keno runner of Korean descent. Can you discuss how coming from such a diverse background contributed to your professional success?
SDM: If I had to pick one part of my upbringing that was most impactful for me, it would be the emphasis my parents put on my education. Despite coming from very different backgrounds, they both instilled in me the importance of working hard in school, saying what you mean, and doing what you say – which provided me with a strong foundation and constant reminder of the importance of treating people with respect and dignity. I do believe that foundation opened so many doors for me in my professional life.
VLM: Why did you decide to take the job as Las Vegas Raiders’ president, as opposed to continuing along in a career path where you already had much success? Did you like the idea of a new challenge?
SDM: Las Vegas has molded me into the person and leader I am today, so when Mark Davis approached me with this position, I was enticed by the opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much. I know first-hand the impact a major sports team can have on a city’s economy and culture, but what ultimately pushed me to take the job was knowing I had his trust and support to guide the future of this great, historic organization.
VLM: What are your goals as president of the Las Vegas Raiders? Do you have a timetable to achieve those goals?
SDM: I have many goals with the Raiders. Among them is implementing sustainable business practices to reduce our environmental impact. Sports teams and stadiums serve millions of fans across the globe, which gives us a unique opportunity to set a new standard for sustainable infrastructure. I’m proud of the steps our stadium has already taken with energy-efficient lighting, water-saving technologies, and industry-leading carbon tracking. Allegiant Stadium is one of the best in the industry, and this summer, we were proud to announce our new LEED certification. By the end of 2023, our goal is for Allegiant Stadium to be the first in the NFL to be 100% powered by renewable energy, and we are continuing to expand those efforts into the other elements of our business.
VLM: The Las Vegas Raiders franchise has had a lot of turmoil, both on and off the field, in recent years. The past two people who filled the role of president left amid controversy. In addition — and prior to your hire — there were allegations that included claims that the Raiders organization had subjected female employees to unequal treatment. In light of all the turmoil, what kind of culture do you what to create as president of the Raiders?
SDM: Sports is a people business, and my priority as a leader is to encourage my team to value one another as individuals so we can build the trust needed to achieve greatness both on and off the field. This trust is the first step toward ensuring the Raiders is the best organization in all sports. This also means building an inclusive workforce and holding ourselves and others accountable. We are committed to pay equity and open and transparent performance measures. Our organization is inspired by our values of social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to providing best-in-class resources and training for each and every one of our employees.
VLM: As a person who was raised in Las Vegas, how important do you think it is to have professional sports in the Las Vegas Valley for its future economic development?
SDM: Many people associate sports with opportunity and for good reason. The Raiders have made significant contributions to Las Vegas in our five short years in the region. (This is) through the creation of jobs, continued boosts to local businesses and the economy through events and partnerships, and our investments in the neighborhoods we call home. Allegiant Stadium has served as host for marquee events, from the NFL Pro Bowl to the NFL Draft. The venue has quickly become a global destination for large concerts and events – from Garth Brooks to Beyoncé. In 2022, the stadium hosted over 107 events drawing nearly 1.7 million attendees.
VLM: As vice chair of the Super Bowl Host Committee, can you give the readers a preview of what we can expect from the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas?
SDM: 2024 is set to be a banner year and marks the first time Las Vegas and Allegiant Stadium will host the Super Bowl. This is a defining moment for the city and the entire state of Nevada. Super Bowl LVIII is expected to generate nearly $700 million in economic impact and create over 4,500 full- and part-time jobs. As vice chair of the Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee, I’ve seen firsthand the time and energy that has gone into creating a uniquely thrilling experience for fans, players, and staff alike. Las Vegas is a city that knows how to entertain. Fans can expect an unprecedented experience, with the entertainment expanding well beyond the game itself to our entire region. It’s guaranteed to be the best party in the world.
VLM: The late (then-Oakland) Raiders owner Al Davis was a legendary figure in NFL history. You were hired by his son, Raiders owner Mark Davis. How do you like working for Mark Davis, and what drew you to the Raiders and the Davis family?
SDM: What drew me to the Raiders and the Davis family is the culture of excellence that exists as the foundation of everything this team does. Al is famous for his unwavering commitment to the team and tenacious desire to win. Mark lives these values every day as owner of the Raiders, carrying his father’s legacy into the future. Mark deeply cares about the Raiders, its alumni, players, employees, and all Raider fans. I think he is unique in that he consistently thinks about the fans and their experience and how they interact with our team. It’s been a truly amazing year, and I’ve learned so much from him and what it means to be a Raider.
VLM: You are married to former Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals safety Don Morgan. How helpful is it to have a spouse with that type of experience in the NFL?
SDM: It is incredibly helpful. He speaks the language and has truly been so encouraging and supportive. He often shares his experience as a player and an alumnus, which helps me focus on making our organization better. Don knew in 2017, when the Raiders’ move to Las Vegas was approved, that the team would transform our region, and he was right. Traveling with Don during his playing career exposed me to the strong sense of community and commitment to a common goal that’s cultivated within a team.
Valerie Miller is a Las Vegas Valley-based award-winning journalist. She can be reached at (702) 683-3986 or valeriemusicmagic@yahoo.com.
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