Catalan giants Barcelona are rumoured to be selling the naming rights to their historic Nou Camp for $479m, as the club undertakes a huge rebrand.
Built in 1954, the Nou Camp has a capacity of 99,354 making it the largest stadium in Europe and second largest football stadium in the world.
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Barça are hoping to take advantage of their continued domestic and European success to attract new investors, particularly from the U.S.A, where they are currently touring for pre-season.
The possible name change would accompany the ground's renovation, which would increase the stadium's capacity while also improving facilities as part of the revamp, which is expected by 2022.
The price for the naming rights was originally set at $319m, and as if that wasn't enough, following approval from the local council, Barcelona has increased that fee to an eye-watering near half a billion dollars.
Manchester City and Arsenal are examples of teams who have sold their stadiums naming rights, as they are sponsored by Etihad Airways and Fly Emirates, could Barcelona be the next to follow suit?
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Let's not hope for another Sports Direct Arena gaffe.
This move comes as Barcelona attempt to make themselves not only the largest football brand but one of the largest sporting brands worldwide.
In 2018 Barcelona didn't even crack the top ten most profitable sports teams according to Forbes.
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However, they are the fourth most valuable sports team at a whopping $4.06 billion, and third among only football teams.
Words by George Buksmann.
Topics: Football News, Nou Camp, Football, Barcelona
