The Nets have signed Sony as a building partner at Barclays Center in an extensive deal covering showroom space, permanent signs in the inner bowl and the supplier for the arena’s HDTVs. The four-year deal is valued at seven figures annually, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. In return for its investment, Sony receives dedicated space on the main concourse for on-site consumer product demonstrations, and will provide about 600 HD displays throughout the facility, including digital menu boards at all Levy Restaurants concession stands. The screens range in size from 22 inches to 60 inches with more than 300 46-inch displays installed at the 18,200-seat building. The Sony equipment, tied to an HD broadcast control room, will capture and produce video for playback during events on Barclays Center’s televisions and LED screens in the concourses, suites and club spaces with the ability to integrate game content with advertising on the displays. Sony has greatly expanded its relationship with the Nets after signing a smaller deal with the team during the two years the team played at Prudential Center in Newark, said Nets and Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. For Sony, the deal is its most comprehensive sponsorship package at an NBA facility, said company Senior PR Manager Tom Di Nome. Sony has similar deals at AmericanAirlines Arena, Wells Fargo Center, MSG and American Airlines Center. All told, the electronics retailer has deals with more than 20 major league teams and facilities. Barclays Center opens Sept. 28 with a concert by Jay-Z.
