BuffaloBill Posted July 11, 2016 Share Posted July 11, 2016 Going back to previous ownership, the Bills have elected not to sell the naming rights to RWS. In doing so, they are leaving what may range from $4MM to $6MM+ per year on the table. One can assume that all of this money would flow to the bottom line as operating profit for the team. According to Forbes data http://www.forbes.com/nfl-valuations/list/#header:operatingIncome the Bills sit at the bottom of the third quartile in operating profit. Given the NFL ownership is pushing the Bills for additional financial performance as they seek revenues from a new stadium, should the Bills sell the stadium naming rights? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 Absolutely, despite WEO's expert pronouncements that $100MM is "a drop in the bucket." Looking at comparables like Jacksonville, the Bills could realistically get a deal for $5MM/20 years. And they could continue to honor the former owner by naming the field. e.g. New Era Field at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 Yeah but it will come with the new stadium. You'll see it then and not until then. It will probably be $5M+ annually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SF Bills Fan Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 It's hard to say no to the extra revenue, but when you consider Pegula's liquid wealth, that's a tiny tiny sum and he looks good by continuing to honor Ralph. When he builds his own stadium it's name goes to highest bidder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddenboy Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 Yes. There are many other ways to honor Mr. Ralph. But yes. You have 31 business partners who, reasonably, expect you to pull your weight. "We let you keep a team in that tiny market, dont make us regret it. Do the best you can." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 Yes. There are many other ways to honor Mr. Ralph. But yes. You have 31 business partners who, reasonably, expect you to pull your weight. "We let you keep a team in that tiny market, dont make us regret it. Do the best you can." Just to be clear the other owners probably don't care. The naming rights money wouldn't be shared. It would bump the franchise value some but with the Bills selling for $1.4B they've pulled their weight on dragging up franchise values. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 Going back to previous ownership, the Bills have elected not to sell the naming rights to RWS. In doing so, they are leaving what may range from $4MM to $6MM+ per year on the table. One can assume that all of this money would flow to the bottom line as operating profit for the team. According to Forbes data http://www.forbes.com/nfl-valuations/list/#header:operatingIncome the Bills sit at the bottom of the third quartile in operating profit. Given the NFL ownership is pushing the Bills for additional financial performance as they seek revenues from a new stadium, should the Bills sell the stadium naming rights? The Bills cleared 45 million on less than 300 million revenue (the vast majority of which the NFL handed to them as shared revenue). That's a pretty sweet return for little work. As Kirby said, the league gets nothing out of stadium rights--only shared revenue. But they should definitely sell the naming rights. Why not? Absolutely, despite WEO's expert pronouncements that $100MM is "a drop in the bucket." Looking at comparables like Jacksonville, the Bills could realistically get a deal for $5MM/20 years. And they could continue to honor the former owner by naming the field. e.g. New Era Field at Ralph Wilson Stadium. 5 million dollars a year to service the debt on a new stadium is less than a drop---more like a vapor droplet. A nanodrop? The Jags stadium deal signed in 2014 is only 43 million over 10 years. They will be lucky if "EverBank Financial Corp" is still around for that period of time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
May Day 10 Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 I dont really care/mind. I do like being unique and a throwback by having a real named-stadium... but sell the rights and I respect that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in Horseheads Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 I agree that it won't be changed until the next rebuild or new stadium. I also agree they can honor Ralph on the field and name the building The Delaware North Dome. It works at SU with the Carrier Dome and Ernie Davis field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRQ_BillsFan Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 I have no opinion, but then again, I still call it Rich stadium. Probably always will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondo in seattle Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 "Bills Mafia Field" at Ralph Wilson Stadium. I'm in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Barbarian Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 UFC - Stadium Yeah but it will come with the new stadium. You'll see it then and not until then. It will probably be $5M+ annually. Pegula Sports & Entertainment Group Arena I have no opinion, but then again, I still call it Rich stadium.Probably always will. miss calling it that, still say it sometimes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 "Bills Mafia Field" at Ralph Wilson Stadium. I'm in. And the Mafia will probably pay in suitcases full of cash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted July 13, 2016 Share Posted July 13, 2016 (edited) The Bills cleared 45 million on less than 300 million revenue (the vast majority of which the NFL handed to them as shared revenue). That's a pretty sweet return for little work. As Kirby said, the league gets nothing out of stadium rights--only shared revenue. But they should definitely sell the naming rights. Why not? 5 million dollars a year to service the debt on a new stadium is less than a drop---more like a vapor droplet. A nanodrop? The Jags stadium deal signed in 2014 is only 43 million over 10 years. They will be lucky if "EverBank Financial Corp" is still around for that period of time. An extra $5MM/yr added to $45MM is an 11% increase to the bottom line. You also have a strange take on what is considered nano. Edited July 13, 2016 by PromoTheRobot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 An extra $5MM/yr added to $45MM is an 11% increase to the bottom line. You also have a strange take on what is considered nano. That's nice, but the new debt incurred by Petula would be massive. By any definition, it would be a drop in the bucket for debt servicing. I don't know how to explain that in a more simple fashion. I'm all for naming rights--Ralph's arrogance in this regard was a huge F-U to the other owners who were bringing him huge TV contract money. But you cite a Jags deal that was half of what you propose the Bills could get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machine gun kelly Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 From a business standpoint, it makes no sense to not sell the naming rights. The issue would be probably a lot less than many teams as most games are regionally televised, not nationally, and thus less advertising for these corporations. There's not a large Fortune 500 presence in WNY, so what corporation is it worth to spend $3-4 mil / yr. to use their name? I would without a doubt though sell the rights for the right price. It only helps the health of the team, and indirectly help spending for the team in larger guaranteed contracts as they have to have so much in reserve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 Yes. There are many other ways to honor Mr. Ralph. But yes. You have 31 business partners who, reasonably, expect you to pull your weight. "We let you keep a team in that tiny market, dont make us regret it. Do the best you can." Yes but 31 business partners have not been calling for Bills to rename the stadium "This space for rent". Certain high profile owners have been pushing it. Talk to Bills about when they also tell Packers to rename "Lambeau Field". That's nice, but the new debt incurred by Petula would be massive. By any definition, it would be a drop in the bucket for debt servicing. I don't know how to explain that in a more simple fashion. I'm all for naming rights--Ralph's arrogance in this regard was a huge F-U to the other owners who were bringing him huge TV contract money. But you cite a Jags deal that was half of what you propose the Bills could get. Thank goodness for "senile" Ralph who gave the owners a huge F-U and even got a stadium lease signed which limited when Bills could be moved otherwise your favorite owner Kraft would be voting for Bills to move away from Western New York. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 Yes but 31 business partners have not been calling for Bills to rename the stadium "This space for rent". Certain high profile owners have been pushing it. Talk to Bills about when they also tell Packers to rename "Lambeau Field". Thank goodness for "senile" Ralph who gave the owners a huge F-U and even got a stadium lease signed which limited when Bills could be moved otherwise your favorite owner Kraft would be voting for Bills to move away from Western New York. No, that was "cheap" Ralph. Kraft supports the Bills staying in WNY. You can't make everything up and be taken seriously. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRQ_BillsFan Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 A year or two ago we were trying to raise $100,000 or 1,000,000 to help the team. Don't remember how much? I think this is more? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoshone Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 New Era Stadium or New Era Field to be announced soon. The naming rights begin this year. Should be a long term deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 New Era Stadium or New Era Field to be announced soon. The naming rights begin this year. Should be a long term deal.Wow, great scoop!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 New Era Stadium or New Era Field to be announced soon. The naming rights begin this year. Should be a long term deal. Is the deal with the stadium owner or the team owner? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoshone Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 With Pegs. Maybe a 6-8 year deal. I'll check back once I get more info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBill Posted July 22, 2016 Author Share Posted July 22, 2016 New Era Stadium or New Era Field to be announced soon. The naming rights begin this year. Should be a long term deal. If this is true what a really cool local tie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 It's certainly a New Era. Very nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 With Pegs. Maybe a 6-8 year deal. I'll check back once I get more info. Sucks for Erie County. A 6 year deal will be up when the lease is up. No help towards new stadium. Free money for Petula. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 Sucks for Erie County. A 6 year deal will be up when the lease is up. No help towards new stadium. Free money for Petula. Yeah, at that rate he may get his $1.4 billion back before the sun burns out. I'm glad to have the Bills staying in WNY and don't mind the owners exercising their rights to generate a bit of income on their investment. I'd bet the owners plan to have a significant investment in the new stadium. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 Yeah, at that rate he may get his $1.4 billion back before the sun burns out. I'm glad to have the Bills staying in WNY and don't mind the owners exercising their rights to generate a bit of income on their investment. I'd bet the owners plan to have a significant investment in the new stadium. This deal is kind of strange. If as stated above--would likely be the shortest term deal in the league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 This deal is kind of strange. If as stated above--would likely be the shortest term deal in the league. We can wait and see what the deal looks like. I'm not going to doubt the billionaire on this. Maybe he can jack up the rate for a new stadium. It really makes sense to me. Why go longer if you can renegotiate better terms in a few years? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 We can wait and see what the deal looks like. I'm not going to doubt the billionaire on this. Maybe he can jack up the rate for a new stadium. It really makes sense to me. Why go longer if you can renegotiate better terms in a few years? Why would New Era pay more later? Or did you mean some other company when a new stadium gets built? And it just seems strange that the Bills could sell the naming rights for a facility that they don't own at all. Why wouldn't that be the County's prerogative? Was D. Smith the Erie County Executive before he went to the NFLPA? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 It started as Rich Stadium, so I doubt they lost that right. So why shouldn't they generate some income? As for the term of the agreement, NFL prices seem to just go up. New Era, or anyone else, can decide what they'll pay later. I'd bet it would be more. Would you rather sponsor Kia or Bentley? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 It started as Rich Stadium, so I doubt they lost that right. So why shouldn't they generate some income? As for the term of the agreement, NFL prices seem to just go up. New Era, or anyone else, can decide what they'll pay later. I'd bet it would be more. Would you rather sponsor Kia or Bentley? Let a billionaire make a little more, I always say. But the County gets none of this. Doesn't seem right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 Let a billionaire make a little more, I always say. But the County gets none of this. Doesn't seem right. Well then, like the CBA, don't negotiate that in. No one cares what any one person thinks is right. The contract is right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoshone Posted August 7, 2016 Share Posted August 7, 2016 New Era Field will be announced around the 17th- 18th. 6 year deal. The Pegs will decide in 2018-2019 whether or not they will build a new stadium in downtown. If so, Pegs will pay for it himself. If not, they will renovate our current stadium. Signs are already going up in the stadium. It will take a at least a year to complete the transition but most of it should be done by opening day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bg17 Posted August 7, 2016 Share Posted August 7, 2016 New Era Field will be announced around the 17th- 18th. 6 year deal. The Pegs will decide in 2018-2019 whether or not they will build a new stadium in downtown. If so, Pegs will pay for it himself. If not, they will renovate our current stadium. Signs are already going up in the stadium. It will take a at least a year to complete the transition but most of it should be done by opening day. Interesting. Thanks. Any info on the dollars involved? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machine gun kelly Posted August 7, 2016 Share Posted August 7, 2016 The purchase of the team was for $1.4 bil., as people know, but the net net profit after everything is about $45 mil./yr. why shouldn't an owner sell naming rights for another $5 mil./yr. if he paid for the team. The county already makes money on the stadium and gets a piece on concessions. I don't understand the issue. You should want our owner to make a healthy profit as it is security the team will be here forever. There are always suitors promising a lot more money somewhere else. I don't believe Kim would let this team leave Buffalo, amd if they decide to renovate and get some state funding, the stadium most of us love could get an upgrade in a few years and the tickets don't go up dramatically in 2022. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALF Posted August 7, 2016 Share Posted August 7, 2016 Keeping it Ralph Wilson Stadium shows the Pegulas are a class act , not like most other owners where only profits matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnC Posted August 7, 2016 Share Posted August 7, 2016 Let a billionaire make a little more, I always say. But the County gets none of this. Doesn't seem right. I don't know why the revenue going to the owner of the team irks you. That has been the arrangement since the stadium was originally built almost half a century ago. Ralph controlled the revenue generated by the stadium (even when renting out the stadium for events). For the past 40 years or more the arrangement has been technically the county owns the stadium but contractually the owner of the team controls the stadium The bottom line is that the county's bond costs (for the renovation) are covered by generated revenues associated with the football operation. A good chunk money covering the costs of the recent renovations came from the state tax on the players' income. So much of the state's and county's contributions were covered by income generated by events/participants associated by activity from the stadium. You may find that problematic but I don't. It's a reasonable and fair deal that satisfies all the parties involved. There is a saying that seems fitting: Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good. Or another way of relating it to this topic is that this deal isn't necessarily a perfect deal but it is still a good deal for all the parties involved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoshone Posted August 7, 2016 Share Posted August 7, 2016 All references to Ralph Wilson Stadium are being removed. It will be known as New Era Field, not New Era Field at RWS. Deal is at least $5 mil a year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Linen Posted August 7, 2016 Share Posted August 7, 2016 Keeping it Ralph Wilson Stadium shows the Pegulas are a class act , not like most other owners where only profits matter. Selling the naming rights doesn't mean the ONLY thing he cares about his profit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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