In Dallas, the Cowboys spent several years in their new stadium before selling the naming rights. In Los Angeles, a venue that has yet to be built -- and likely never will be -- has had naming rights sold for several years.
In Minnesota, a middle ground between those two extremes could be struck, soon.
According to Sid Hartman of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, a deal with U.S. Bank currently is being negotiated. If finalized, the deal could be worth $7 million to $10 million per year over 25 years. Maximum value would come in 2018, when the new stadium hosts the Super Bowl.
Hartman points out that another candidate with a better offer could swipe the rights. Likewise, efforts to cut costs at U.S. Bank could make the move cost-prohibitive.
Either way, Wells Fargo won’t get the rights. Despite rumors linking the company to the new venue, CEO John Stumpf recently said Wells Fargo has no interest.
All but six stadiums currently have naming-rights deals. The exceptions are Ralph Wilson Stadium (Bills), Paul Brown Stadium (Bengals), Arrowhead Stadium (Chiefs), Lambeau Field (Packers), Soldier Field (Bears), and the Georgia Dome (Falcons).
