Aston Villa's new owners have not ruled out selling the naming rights to Villa Park.GETTY IMAGES
League Championship side Aston Villa’s owners will reportedly "consider a stadium rebrand" in '19 "as they continue to plan for the future," according to Gregg Evans of the BIRMINGHAM MAIL. A "well-placed source" said that the commercial opportunities at the club are under "constant negotiation" -- and that "selling the naming rights to the famous old ground would not be ruled out." At this stage, "there are no immediate plans in place" but majority Owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens "have made it clear that improving Villa’s revenue streams remains a focus." Villa Park -- the club's home since 1897 -- "has never had a sponsorship partner." But earlier this year -- and before the summer takeover -- Villa rebranded its Bodymoor Heath training ground for the first time, signaling a "change of approach." A five-year deal was struck with Recon, the conglomerate of former majority Owner Tony Xia, and brought in a reported total of £4M. It is understood that if the club "were to go ahead with the idea," it would "keep the current name in the title" (BIRMINGHAM MAIL, 11/10).
