Thursday, May 7, 2026

Real Salt Lake Inks Major Stadium Naming Rights Deal

  • Formerly known as Rio Tinto Stadium, the venue will be renamed America First Field.
  • Previously, global mining company Rio Tinto paid $2 million annually for naming rights.
Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake has reportedly secured a stadium naming rights deal with America First Credit Union worth nearly $100 million over 15 years, per Sportico.

As part of the pact, America First — a federally chartered credit union based in Utah that has partnered with RSL since 2005 — will have branding and activations throughout the venue.

  • Formerly known as Rio Tinto Stadium, the venue will be renamed America First Field.
  • Previously, global mining company Rio Tinto paid $2 million annually for naming rights.

In January, Smith Entertainment Group and David Blitzer — co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, Cleveland Guardians, and Crystal Palace — purchased RSL for $400 million.

The deal included private equity firm and MLB, NBA, NHL, and PLL investor Arctos Sports Partners as a limited partner.

More New Names

On Monday, Inter Miami — co-owned by David Beckham — struck a training facility naming rights deal with Florida Blue, the state’s Blue Cross Blue Shield healthcare company.

Located in Fort Lauderdale, the 50,000-square-foot facility — now known as the Florida Blue Training Center — opened in 2020 and cost $60 million to build.

Inter Miami is nearing a deal for a new $1 billion stadium and complex.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) prepares to take a shot on goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena.

NHL Salary Cap Increases by $8.5M to Hit $104M

Next season’s salary cap confirmed bullish projections from the league and union.
Mar 21, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts to a call against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
opinion

Draymond Green Embarrassed Himself With Charles Barkley Diss

Green took an ill-advised swipe at Barkley’s four seasons in Houston.

MLB Is Seeing an Early Ratings Lift From New-Look TV Deals

The league’s new-look rights pacts are paying off so far.
Mar 7, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) bring the ball up court against the Utah Jazz at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Jimmy Haslam Wants Giannis’s Fate Decided Before NBA Draft

The two-time MVP is entering the final year of his contract.

Featured Today

May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
Tottenham Hotspur
May 6, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.
Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League
May 5, 2026

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.

Want to Own a 100-Year-Old Austrian Soccer Team for $500?

Vestible’s first team is Kapfenberger SV 1919.
John and Louis Antonelli
exclusive
April 13, 2026

Chernin Group Leads Funding Round in Social Box Score App ‘Real’

The app combines live stats and play-by-play with a social media experience.
April 16, 2026

How Taylor Swift’s Catalog Led Her Former Label Boss Into Sports

Scott Borchetta profited greatly from the sale of Swift’s masters.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Jack Nicklaus speaks to media prior to the start of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio on May 27, 2025.
March 27, 2026

Jack Nicklaus Re-Acquires Nicklaus Companies After Lawsuit

Nicklaus takes back ownership of marks like the iconic Golden Bear.
Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark dribbles up the court against Team USA during the WNBA All-Star Game at Footprint Center in Phoenix on July 20, 2024.
February 3, 2026

Fund Backing Women’s Sports Raises $250M and Counting

Jason Wright oversees a fund that has secured $250 million.
January 28, 2026

CVC’s New Sports Business Buys Into $300M Equestrian Company

Global Sport Group bought a controlling stake in Equine Network.
Puma store
January 27, 2026

China’s Anta Eyes World Domination With $1.8B Puma Deal

Anta is now the largest shareholder in both Puma and Amer Sports.