Broncos acquire naming rights for Sports Authority Field

The team that plays at Sports Authority Field has assumed the naming rights for the stadium, pending court approval.

Wednesday’s announcement might sound like good news for fans who would like to see the stadium adopt its predecessor’s name, Mile High, but that’s unlikely to happen.

The Metropolitan Football Stadium District says that seeking a new naming rights partner is essential from a financial standpoint. “Naming rights revenue is primarily used for capital improvements extending the life of the stadium well into the future, attempting to avoid need for public funding,” the district said in a statement. “The District and the Denver Broncos are currently conducting a facilities conditions assessment of the stadium and surrounding campus. Preliminary numbers indicate over $300 million will be needed over the next 30 years to maintain the facility,” according to the statement.

The Broncos also released a statement Wednesday, saying the team will split the naming rights proceeds 50/50 with the Metropolitan Football Stadium District. “There is no timetable for securing a new naming rights agreement, and the name of the stadium—Sports Authority Field at Mile High—has not changed at this time. The Broncos look forward to working with the MFSD in establishing a new long-term relationship with a stadium naming rights partner,” the statement said.