Report: RBNY talking sponsorship deals with sports betting companies

Have the New York Red Bulls ended a three-year search for naming rights for Red Bull Arena? Don’t bet against it.

According to the Sports Business Journal, the club is in conversation with sports betting companies regarding sponsorship deals that may include stadium naming rights.

“If we can find a partner or partners that can help us enhance our fan experience through gambling, we’re willing to have a conversation,” Red Bulls general manager Marc de Grandpre told SBJ, while declining to identify which companies are part of the conversations.

In October 2015, the Red Bulls reportedly starting shopping naming rights to Red Bull Arena, which opened in 2010. The Red Bulls are working with Fenway Sports Management on selling naming rights that industry sources told Sports Business Journal could be worth more than $4 million per year.

De Grandpre said the league is supportive of all conversations the club is currently having with sports betting companies. The Red Bulls are the only MLS team playing in a state where sports betting is legal.

Other New Jersey-based professional teams have brokered similar deals, with the New Jersey Devils partnering with Caesars Entertainment, William Hill and FanDuel for on-ice signage and space within Prudential Center.

The New York Jets have deals with MGM and 888.com, while the New York Giants have yet to make a deal with a sports betting company.

According to de Grandpre, a deal could also be made for branding on the sleeves of the team’s jersey, which the league recently approved for 2020.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/11/13/report-rbny-talking-sports-betting-companies-over-arena-naming-rights