Quote ="SaintDavid"'Price of everything, value of nothing...'
Stadium naming rights are now a part of professional sport, but any business such as Cas need to consider the value impact of any partnerships entered into. Its possible and likely that the income from the deal will outweigh any lost revenue from fans or other sponsors staying away because the name is ridiculous, however I think it is also likely that this deal devalues the quality of the Cas brand. It paints them as desperate for cash, willing to sell out and make themselves sound ridiculous for the sake of a quick buck. In other words it devalues the brand. Short term gain, long term loss. If we advertise the fact we're that desperate for money what impression does that give of our game?'"
We've increased our commercial income by 70% this year. Sponsors couldn't give a toss what the name is called, only that they get a ROI.
The sport IS desperate for cash. Don't kid yourself otherwise. The game is built on sand with many clubs struggling to break even or relying on benefactors to spend what they need to compete. Take away benefactors and a lot of Super League would go pop over night.
As for devaluing a brand, how about a brand being devalued by giving away a title sponsor for free and then failing to get a new sponsor for the league the following season?
Sorry; we should be applauding any club that brings money into our game and drives up their own income. It's what good businesses do and whether the stadium is the Rapid Solicitors Stadium, KC Stadium or Mend-a-hose Jungle, it's all money that is badly needed in our game.
If you think that money isn't needed, then I'd be genuinely worried. I was at Headingley several seasons again when they had a "blood bin sponsor". That may offer some comedic value but credit to them selling something as a commodity. Sport is a business, whether you like it or not. And to run a business you need money coming in and advertising (or sponsorship) is one way of doing it.
For what it's worth, Mend-a-hose are loyal sponsors and their Director is also the Director of Cas. They probably have invested in the club not only to drive it forward but also to help improve the ground badly and look to restore the club to its former success, which we are by spending the cap next season. Bravo, I say. After all, you've all been crowing about how Cas "drag" Super League down and how we should spend the cap. Be glad we've found a way to facilitate that.
Well, they're both yanks.....so I got the accent right, more or less..
