Manchester United To Sell Old Trafford Naming Rights?

Snapdragon, Manchester United’s new shirt sponsor, has expressed interest in potentially contributing to the funding of the club’s new stadium by acquiring the naming rights.

The tech company has taken over from TeamViewer as United’s front-of-shirt sponsor this season, having signed a three-year deal valued at £180 million ($230 million).

United are considering selling naming rights for their new stadium, whether it be a completely new venue or a redevelopment of Old Trafford. Snapdragon has shown interest in this possibility should the opportunity become available.

Don McGuire, chief marketing officer of Snapdragon’s parent company, Qualcomm, said “Old Trafford is Old Trafford, it should always be Old Trafford”.

“But if there is a brand attached to that in some way, shape or form, powered by someone, an ‘at’ or whatever … this Snapdragon Stadium at Bashor Field.”

“We are working very closely with the team on the re-imagination of Old Trafford from a technology and innovation standpoint and Carrington both.”

“So if that leads to something bigger, where it would make sense for us to go even bigger — this [shirt sponsor] is pretty big by the way, not inexpensive — but if it makes sense we are always looking out for opportunities.”

It is rumoured that Manchester United’s task force, established to oversee the stadium project, has tentatively recommended constructing a new 100,000-capacity stadium on land behind Old Trafford. While a final decision isn’t expected until the end of the year, this option is also preferred by new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

United have stated that all funding options are being considered for the project, which is estimated to take around six years and cost over £2 billion. The possibility of selling naming rights to the stadium is on the table, but the club has emphasized that no decision will be made without consulting supporters.