Selling out the naming rights of Old Trafford would probably have a massive PR fallout for Manchester United. An iconic stadium name being commodified to the highest corporate bidder would not sit well with Red Devils fans. However, it would be very, very profitable.
According to a study publicized in the Daily Mail, Manchester United and Manchester City are far and away more valuable than the rest of the Premier League when it comes to what FCs could earn if they named or renamed their stadiums for a potential sponsor.
New research released on Monday by global valuation experts American Appraisal, say City would make almost £18 million a year compared to United’s £17 million. The analysis, which takes into account existing sponsorship deals at every club, ranks second-placed Manchester United’s earning potential at £10 million more per season than third-placed Arsenal. Which currently has the Emirates name on their ground.
Manchester United ’s high valuation is driven by the £160 million sponsorship of their Carrington training ground by AON, a big-money training kit deal and a new shirt sponsorship contract with American car manufacturers Chevrolet.
One thing is for certain, the club could never sell out the name of Sir Alex Stand! There would be a tremendous uproar over that. The devotees of the beloved Sir Alex Ferguson would never go for it.
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. He’s also an analyst for multiple news talk radio stations across the country; with regular weekly segments on NBC and Fox Sports Radio. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks) and RSS Catch him Tuesdays talking Illini and Northwestern for KOZN 1620 The Zone, Fridays talking Chicago Bears for WAOR 95.7 The Fan