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The National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Phoenix Suns and the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) Phoenix Mercury are in search of a new arena naming rights partner, after Footprint’s sponsorship deal with the teams was downgraded.
Confirmed:
- Signage and branding of ‘Footprint Center’ removed earlier this week
- Player 15 Group, the parent company of the Suns and Mercury, to commence search for new arena naming rights partner immediately
- Footprint to remain as the teams’ official sustainability partner but at a lower sponsorship tier
- Building to be called PHX Arena until a new naming rights partner is found
Context:
Environmental technology company Footprint signed a ten-year contract in 2021 for the naming rights to the Suns’ and Mercury’s arena. The deal was reportedly worth US$9 million per season, and saw Footprint replace Talking Stick Resorts as the basketball teams’ arena naming rights partner.
A spokesperson for both teams confirmed to AZ Big Media that Footprint’s plant-based fiber products, such as disposable cups, plates and other recyclable material, will continue to be integrated into the building as part of a reworked agreement.
The Suns and Mercury’s 18,000-seater venue hosted the WNBA All-Star Game last year. It is set to stage the 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Women’s Final Four event in 2026, and the NBA All-Star Weekend in 2027.
Comment:
“I expect for us to command significant investment based on the major events that are coming here and that will continue to come here,” Dan Costello, executive vice president and chief revenue officer for the Suns and Mercury, said to Sportico.
“As long as we have things like All-Star games, tourism and impact from a population growth perspective, this will be a place where brands want to align.”
Coming next:
Sportico reports that a new naming rights partner is expected to be announced before the 2025/26 NBA season.
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