The seven team, TX-based World Indoor Soccer League
(WISL) is "seeking" a three-year title sponsorship deal
worth $300,000-500,000 annually, according to Rusty Cawley
of the DALLAS BUSINESS JOURNAL, who notes if it lands a
title sponsor, the WISL "would become the first U.S. pro
sports league to sell such naming rights at any price."
WISL COO Steve Powell: "At $300,000 per year, we realize
we're giving the farm away. But we want to over-deliver. We
believe we have to give a little before we can expect to
generate real cash with a title sponsorship." More Powell:
"We want more than just cash generation. We're looking for
a partner who can give us a real presence out there in the
market, especially in consumer goods or some other retail
area." Powell "plans to approach many" of the "largest"
companies in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, "especially those in
food products and electronics." Pizza Hut, Texas
Instruments, Pepsi and Frito-Lay are "among those on his
call list." MI-based General Sports & Ent. CEO Andy Appleby
said that for a "fledgling league," selling title rights
"makes sense." Appleby: "It's a Herculean effort to get a
new league off the ground. ... You have to generate revenue
anyway you can" (DALLAS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 5/15 issue).
