• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 23, 2025

‘Pitbull Stadium’: Rapper Buys College Naming Rights for $6 Million

  • Pitbull grew up right by FIU’s campus. 
  • It’s a five-year deal with the option for an additional five. 
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mr. Worldwide is headed to Conference USA. 

Pitbull, the international rapper who hails from South Miami, has purchased the naming rights to Florida International’s football stadium in a multiyear deal. Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Pérez, will pay the school $1.2 million annually for the next five years, with the opportunity to re-up for another five. 

The stadium was known as “FIU Stadium” for the last two years between naming-rights deals; from 2017 to 2022 it was named after Italian businessman Ricardo Silva, who had paid almost $4 million to renovate the stadium and got his name attached in the deal. 

The stadium also houses Miami FC, the USL club Silva owns. Silva also co-owns AC Milan, which he purchased a stake in 2022 through RedBird Capital. 

FIU’s board of trustees approved the name change to “Pitbull Stadium” in a vote Tuesday.

Pérez grew up right by FIU’s campus and attended Miami Coral Park Senior High School, just two miles from the university. Aside from Mr. Worldwide, another nickname he has is Mr. 305, an ode to his Miami roots and the city’s main area code. The stadium will reportedly be the first collegiate athletics facility named after a musician. 

As part of the agreement, Pitbull will record an anthem for the school and promote it on social media. His branded vodka will be sold in the stadium, according to ESPN

The Panthers compete in Division I’s FBS and are a relatively young program, founded in 2002. The Panthers have played in five bowl games, winning two.  

Editors’ note: RedBird IMI, of which RedBird Capital Partners is a joint venture partner, is an investor in Front Office Sports.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

breaking

Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups Arrested in FBI Gambling Probes

The Billups arrest was tied to an illegal Mafia poker operation.
draftkings
exclusive

DraftKings Is Paying Up to $250M for Prediction-Market Railbird

The deal was announced Tuesday, but financials weren’t disclosed.
Texas Tech tortillas

Texas Tech Is Attempting a Tortilla Crackdown 

Rebellious students are known to smuggle the tortillas in their underwear.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Joey Bosa

Joey Bosa’s L.A. Home for Sale for $3.7 Million

The Bills defensive end purchased the home last July.
October 16, 2025

Steelers’ Shared Stadium With Pitt Comes Under Fire for Bad Turf

The conditions at Acrisure Stadium have been subpar this season.
October 21, 2025

Jazz to Get New Training Facility on Same Campus As Mammoth

The company is developing a sports campus in Sandy, Utah.
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
October 15, 2025

Bears Hit Another Speed Bump for New $5B Stadium in Suburbs

A new state bill would impose several conditions on the NFL team.
October 13, 2025

Browns, Cleveland Reach $100M Deal to Clear Team’s Move to Suburbs

The surprise truce includes financial payments and the dismissal of lawsuits.
Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of a Cleveland Browns helmet on a time out against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome.
October 7, 2025

Cleveland Takes New Shot at Blocking Browns’ $2.4B Stadium

A new lawsuit challenges a permit for the NFL team’s planned stadium.
October 7, 2025

Rays Owner Eyes New ‘Forever Home’ Like Atlanta’s Battery

The club’s new owners target a new ballpark opening in 2029.