Intellectual property attorney Josh Becker spoke to AZ Family Channel 3TV and KPHO Channel 5 reporter Mickaela Castillo today about sponsorship rights in branding sports arenas. This comes after the Footprint Center's physical signage was seen being removed from the downtown Phoenix sports arena, home to the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury basketball teams.
Josh provided background on why the signage at the Footprint Center might be coming down, and information on how and why these types of changes occur in naming rights agreements.
Name changes like this happen all the time. Contract agreements for sponsorships end for a number of reasons—it could be that the agreement between them expired and the parties decided not to renew it; it could be that they both decided to go their separate ways and end their relationship.
Josh Becker
The arena opened in 1992 and was known as America West Arena, named for America West Airlines. The arena was renamed US Airways Center in 2006, Talking Stick Resort Arena in 2015, and Footprint Center in 2021.
Until a new naming partner is announced, the arena will be known as PHX Arena.
about our attorney
Joshua Becker is a shareholder with Gallagher & Kennedy. A forward-thinking adviser who anticipates how to best position his clients relative to regulatory changes, evolving market conditions and the competitive landscape, Becker’s proactive approach to problem-solving adds real value for the clients he serves. He brings 18 years of experience in franchising and intellectual property law to clients that include companies of all sizes from a myriad of industries, among them established and fast-growth franchisors, technology development companies, service providers and distributors.
related news coverage
- Footprint Center no more as Phoenix Suns seek new naming partner – Azfamily.com 3TV / CBS5
- Phoenix Suns/Mercury arena to get a new name, again | ABC15.com
- Suns seeking new arena naming partner; Footprint Center to be temporarily called PHX Arena | Fox10phoenix.com
- Workers were seen removing 'Footprint Center' signs. Is a name change next? | 12News.com
- Footprint Center, home of Phoenix Suns, changing name; team looking for new partner | Arizona Republic
- Footprint out as naming rights sponsor for Phoenix Suns' downtown arena – Phoenix Business Journal
- Footprint Center signage removed as Phoenix Suns and Mercury seek new naming rights partner – Cronkite News
- Footprint Center signage disappears from Phoenix Suns home venue | Fox10 Phoenix
- Footprint Center no more: New name coming to Phoenix Suns Arena | Suns News
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