Barcelona Reportedly Signs Contract With U.S. Firm Van Wagner

Barcelona wants a naming rights deal for Camp Nou to "become a reality as soon as possible," according to Toni Frieros of SPORT. The idea is for the search for this strategic partner "to begin in December." Because these types of negotiations "tend to last for more than a year," the club needs a "specialist on the matter." Barcelona has chosen U.S. firm Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment as a partner. Since '98, VWSE has helped its clients reach 16 naming rights deals, including the one for MetLife Stadium, which is shared by the NFL N.Y. Jets and N.Y. Giants. VWSE also advised Arsenal. Barcelona's board "has not confirmed this commercial alliance." The club is hoping to have a sponsor before a shareholders meeting in Oct. '16, when it hopes a deal could be approved (SPORT, 11/30). A VWSE spokesperson confirmed that the firm is "in discussions" with Barcelona, but declined further comment (SBD Global).