Getty Images
Not long ago, the NFL treated the game like a syringe used overflowing with liquefied bubonic plague. Now, the NFL is shooting anything and everything related to gambling directly into its arteries.
The most recent example of the unlikely marriage between professional football and gambling comes from Caesars’ purchase of Superdome naming rights. As first reported by TheAthletic.com and confirmed by Ben Fischer from Sports Business Journal, Caesars Entertainment agreed in principle to purchase these rights in a 20-year deal that pays nearly $ 11 million a year.
Mercedes-Benz, which currently holds the rights to the name of the Superdome and the relatively new stadium in Atlanta, has refused to extend the deal in New Orleans.
“Mercedes-Benz is currently under contract until July this year as a name rights partner,” Saints senior vice president of communications, Greg Bensel, told TheAthletic.com. “We have nothing official to report, as there is no agreement signed with any company at this time. We continue to have conversations with numerous interested companies. “
Caesars is already the league’s official casino partner. The NFL is currently looking for a sports betting sponsor.
A new name for the location has not been finalized. Authorities are reportedly leaning towards the Caesers Superdome.