The Houston Astros' stadium will be renamed Daikin Park starting January 1, 2025, under a new naming rights agreement with Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, lasting until the 2039 season. The stadium, originally named Enron Field, was renamed Minute Maid Park in 2002 after Enron's bankruptcy. Minute Maid will continue as a partner with the Astros until 2029.
Logan Paul's energy drink, Prime, has become the largest sponsor in WWE history, securing the first in-ring advertisement deal. The partnership marks a significant milestone for both Paul and WWE, with the Prime logo set to feature prominently in the wrestling ring. The deal reflects the rapid success of Prime, which brought in over $1 billion in sales last year and counts notable figures like Patrick Mahomes and Israel Adesanya as partners.
Logan Paul's Prime Hydration will be featured on the center of a WWE ring in a historic first as part of a partnership deal, marking the first time a sponsor will be advertised in this prime location. WWE announced the deal during "Friday Night SmackDown" on FOX, with Prime set to have increased exposure at future live events, including WrestleMania and Money in the Bank. This partnership signifies Prime's growing presence in the sports and entertainment industry, as it also holds sponsorship deals with UFC.
College basketball star Caitlin Clark has signed a multiyear sponsorship deal with financial services company Gainbridge, a top partner of the WNBA's Indiana Fever and the NBA's Indiana Pacers. The deal will see her promoting Gainbridge's women-focused annuity product and integrating her image across various sports-related assets. This partnership comes ahead of the upcoming WNBA Draft, where Clark is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Fever, and signals the beginning of her ties to the Hoosier State.
The Portland Timbers terminated their sponsorship deal with DaBella Exteriors after learning of a lawsuit against the company's CEO, Donnie McMillan Jr., alleging sexual harassment and unwanted advances towards female employees. The lawsuit, filed by a former executive, claims that McMillan made unwanted advances and sexually harassed at least three female employees, and seeks to compel the company to produce internal documents related to the allegations. The legal battle also involves claims of retaliation and inappropriate relationships, adding to the controversy surrounding the Timbers' corporate leadership in light of previous investigations into alleged misconduct.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly eyeing Jürgen Klopp as a potential replacement for Xavi, who is struggling at Camp Nou, but Klopp has expressed a desire to take a year off after leaving Liverpool. Meanwhile, Liverpool is close to finalizing an $88m per season sponsorship deal with Nike, which would keep them in line with top domestic rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.
Inter Miami's soccer jerseys will now feature the logo of Royal Caribbean International as the club's main sponsor, replacing crypto investment firm XBTO. The Florida-based cruise operator announced a "multiyear partnership" with the team, aiming to leverage the popularity of Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi ahead of the upcoming MLS campaign. This move marks a shift away from the crypto industry in Miami, following similar changes in the city's sports arena naming rights.
Bud Light has reestablished its partnership with the UFC, becoming the official beer of the promotion once again in the biggest sponsorship deal in UFC history. The multiyear contract, starting in 2024, comes after the UFC merged with WWE to form TKO. Bud Light will have prominent branding in the Octagon and across broadcasts and social media.
YouTuber Trevor Jacob admitted to crashing his single-engine airplane in a California national forest to boost views for a sponsorship deal with a wallet company. He pleaded guilty to destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Jacob initially denied crashing the plane for views, but later admitted to lying about the crash and cutting up the wreckage to throw it away.
Bud Light disabled user comments on a YouTube ad featuring young beer drinkers at a country music festival amid continued backlash over its sponsorship deal with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The ad, which first aired during prime time coverage of the NFL Draft last week, has generated over 26 million views but just 272 likes. Bud Light's sales have dropped 17% in the week ending April 15 compared to the same period last year. The controversy also prompted Bud Light to place two marketing executives on leave.
A lawyer handling a class action lawsuit against FTX's celebrity promoters has praised Taylor Swift for being the only celebrity who did vital due diligence on the cryptocurrency giant before signing up for a sponsorship deal. Swift reportedly asked FTX if their offerings were unregistered securities, showing her concern for the legality of the company's operations. The lawyer claims that other celebrities failed to look into the legality of FTX's operations before signing up for big money partnerships.
Anheuser-Busch's market capitalization has dropped by over $5 billion since announcing its branding partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The company's shares have fallen by nearly 4% since March 31, and the backlash from conservatives over the deal could lead to a boycott of Anheuser-Busch products. Mulvaney has sponsorship deals with several big-name brands, including Nike and Kate Spade, and Bud Light produced specially designed cans with her likeness to commemorate the partnership. Both Bud Light and Nike have stood by Mulvaney despite the criticism.
Mets owner Steve Cohen and New York Presbyterian Hospital CEO Steve Corwin agreed to change the large, square, red-lettered patch added to the jersey sleeve as part of a sponsorship deal after fans criticized it for resembling Phillies colors. This is the first year that MLB is allowing jersey patches as advertising. Cohen declined to share any financial details of the partnership but said it was a complicated deal based on that and other assets.
The Miami Heat has signed a sponsorship deal with Miami-based Kaseya, making the arena formerly known as the FTX Arena the "Kaseya Center." Kaseya will pay a little over $117 million over a 17-year term for naming rights. The company employs over 900 workers in its Miami offices. The FTX name was removed after the crypto company declared bankruptcy and its founder was arrested.
Prince Harry's recent appearance in a Christian Dior shirt during his visit to the UK has sparked rumors of a potential sponsorship deal with the luxury brand. Celebrity stylist and royal fashion expert Miranda Holder believes that Harry's move towards high fashion is a new direction for him, and a sponsorship deal with Dior would be a convenient source of passive income for him and Meghan Markle. Meanwhile, Harry has backtracked on his offer to give up his royal titles, despite calls for him and Meghan to renounce their titles after making damaging accusations against the Royal Family in his controversial memoir.