Report: Caesars Entertainment closing in on naming-rights deal with Superdome

The Athletic’s Jeff Duncan reports that a new Superdome naming rights sponsorship is close to completion between the New Orleans Saints and Caesars Entertainment, Inc., which would be valued at $200 million over the next twenty years. Nothing has been signed yet, but the move would make the Superdome the first NFL venue to be sponsored by a sports gambling outfit. Caesars also owns Harrah’s New Orleans location, which in 2018 became the official casino partner of the Saints and Pelicans.

Mercedes-Benz inked a ten-year contract for the Superdome rights back in 2011 that was said to be worth $50 to $60 million at the time, but that agreement is set to expire in July after the German automobile manufacturer purchased a 27-year sponsorship of the new Atlanta Falcons stadium at $12 million per year. That agreement included prominent signage throughout the Superdome and the company’s logo emblazoned on the exterior roof.

It’s unclear how Caesars would be represented once pens are put to paper, but this would be a lucrative addition to the franchise. And with so many expensive ongoing renovations at work ahead of the 2021 season and New Orleans’ next Super Bowl scheduled for 2025 (when Drew Brees could be on the call with NBC’s broadcast of the championship game), adding more resources to get the Superdome ready for prime time is a good move.