Packers could sell ad space on practice jerseys

[SteelersMongol]

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)—The Green Bay Packers are hoping to take advantage of a new NFL rule allowing teams to attach a small patch with a corporate logo to the jerseys players wear in practice.

Packers senior vice president of marketing and sales Laura Sankey called the possibility of selling advertising space on practice jerseys a “very meaningful” way for a sponsor to link itself with the team.

“It’s always exciting when the league opens new categories for sponsorship, particularly one that is so closely linked to our players and our jerseys,” Sankey said. “A practice jersey patch is a very unique and visible way for a sponsor to be involved with training camp, the team and our fans.”

The Houston Texans also have indicated an interest in taking advantage of the rule, which applies only to jerseys worn in practice.

Sponsor logos already are widespread during U.S. auto racing and golf events, and the Phoenix Mercury announced this week that they will become the first WNBA team to put a sponsor’s name, Lifelock, on their jerseys.

Such deals are considered commonplace in Europe, where soccer giant Manchester United announced Wednesday that it had reached a four-year sponsorship agreement with Chicago-based insurance broker Aon Corp.

The club did not announce financial terms but British newspapers reported that the deal, which begins in the 2010-11 season, was worth 80 million pounds ($131.2 million) over the four years.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_yl...v=ap&type=lgns

What do U guys think? Do U think the Steelers would ever allow anything like that?

[ShutDown24]

1. I honestly don't think the Steelers would unless it became extremely profitable or the rule instead of the exception.

2. I hate it. It's for European sports. It works for them, but not here. Not in the US. The Texans, according to ESPN Radio, are selling space on their jersey too. I really dislike the idea.

[xfl2001fan]

If it stays (strictly) on their practice Jerseys, it's whatever. I don't want to see it in game though.

[KeiselPower99]

Come on yall seeing the Iron City Beer logo on the practice jerseys would look nice.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I love the idea!!

A lot of fans complain about "the cheap Rooneys" and small market team woes, etc. Now one of the most popular teams (Steelers ) could have a source of extra revenue and the teenage traditionalists think its sacreligious.

I say the Packers should do it and any other team that wants to. If the Steelers want to play the good guy, donate the space to a charity like M.A.D.D. or something.

[revefsreleets]

If it was up Jerry Jones and Daniel Snyder, NFL uni's would look like NASCAR fire suits.

Don't care about practice jersey's, but also see the bigger picture here...this is a marginal slide on a slippery slope that I could see leading to bigger and worser things...

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I agree Revs, practice jerseys are no big deal and if they can generate revenue, why not.

The NFL is a marketing machine and does a great job generating $$ without making the league look like NASCAR.

I just look at how sports advertising has evolved over the years with:
-stadium naming rights
-corporate press conference banners behind coaches
-rotating signage boards in baseball and basketball
-rink boards in hockey

this is just part of the next evoluton and I personally think its a smart idea. As salarys escalate, sports marketers are challenged to create more revenue and sustain profitibility. Its capitalism at its finest!

[The_WARDen]

After littering the jerseys with advertising logos, maybe then they can move onto advertising tattoos on the players!

[MasterOfPuppets]

Originally Posted by The_WARDen

After littering the jerseys with advertising logos, maybe then they can move onto advertising tattoos on the players!

[IMG][/IMG]

[Big D]

for as much of a corporate d-bag goodell is... it wont be long before some nfl team has viagra stitched on their jerseys