Verizon Wireless "has talked about" a naming rights
deal at Pro Player Stadium, according to Charles Elmore of
the PALM BEACH POST, who cites stadium officials as saying
that they "are ready to change the signs in mid-football
season if the right deal comes together with Verizon or
somebody else." However, "nobody is saying a deal is
imminent." Elmore notes that Verizon has an "official
cellular sponsor" with Pro Player Stadium and has "quietly
investigated doing more." Elmore: "Verizon's Florida people
are interested, but a naming-rights deal, possibly in the
range of $5 million to $7 million per year, requires
national budgeting and approval." Elmore adds that NetZero
reportedly made a $5M-per-year offer for a naming rights
deal, but Dolphins Owner Wayne Huizenga "didn't immediately
jump at it." More Elmore: "One issue is stability: This
will be the third name for the Dolphins' and Marlins'
stadium in five years and officials don't want to have to
change again because a company merges or folds in a volatile
industry" (PALM BEACH POST, 10/12).