Red Bull's purchase of Major League Soccer's MetroStars is causing a stir in the state of New Jersey. The team wants to be known as Red Bull New York, effectively disassociating itself from the Garden State across the Hudson River, and that's not sitting well with state officials.
One is even threatening to boot the team from Giants Stadium, where it will play until a new stadium in Harrison is ready in 2008.
``Their new name may be Red Bull New York, but striking New Jersey from their name seems to be a different kind of bull altogether,' said Brendan Gilfillan, a spokesman for Gov. Jon S. Corzine. ``This is a team that sells its products in New Jersey, draws its fan base from New Jersey and receives funding from New Jersey.'
New Jersey not happy with Red Bull New York
New Jersey Not Happy With Red Bull New York
Trend Themes
1. Disassociating From Location Names - Opportunity for businesses to rebrand and disassociate themselves from specific locations to broaden their appeal and reach.
2. Regional Identity in Sports - Potential for conflict and tension between sports teams and state officials regarding team names and affiliations.
3. Impact of Corporate Sponsorship in Sports - Growing concern and debate over the influence and control that corporate sponsors have on sports teams.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Marketing - Opportunity for sports marketing agencies and consultants to assist teams with rebranding and managing regional identity.
2. Corporate Sponsorship - Growing demand for corporate sponsorship strategists to navigate the complex relationship between businesses and sports teams.
3. Event Management - Increasing need for event management companies to handle the logistics of rebranding, relocation, and stadium transitions for sports teams.