Bears Players as Billboards?

This season, the National Football League has approved a new form of revenue building for the league: putting sponsorship patches on players’ practice jerseys. The Chicago Bears are getting in on the action by striking a deal with NorthShore University HealthSystem to put a patch of the left side of the chest of all of the practice jerseys. These patches will be 3.5 inches by 4.5 inches, and the details of the deal haven’t been revealed.

Although they did make this deal, the Bears declined to work with other sponsors, like the state lottery. The New York Giants, New England Patriots and Washington Redskins have gone that route. Bears spokesperson Scott Hagel said, “From an organizational standpoint, that is not the kind of partnership we are going to pursue… We’ve had a very successful offseason business-wise. We’ve been working very hard in a difficult economic climate, and our ticket renewals are as strong as ever, as is our sign-up for the season-ticket waiting list. We’re ramping up customer service and trying to provide value for what people are paying.”

More sponsors are expected to follow for the Bears this offseason. Catch the Bears live this season by getting Chicago Bears tickets from StubHub.

Permalink - Posted in General on July 23, 2009 - Post a comment