University of Arizona Sells Naming Rights to Athletic Venues

New deals generate $88 million to support competitive sports programs

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The University of Arizona has sold naming rights to its football stadium and basketball arena, generating $88 million in revenue through 20-year and 15-year agreements. The football stadium is now known as Casino Del Sol Stadium, while the basketball arena is the McKale Center at ALKEME Arena. Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois has also sold the naming rights to her own title, becoming the R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics. The university says the new revenue will help build competitive athletic programs, which is what Wildcats fans want.

Why it matters

Selling naming rights to athletic facilities is a common practice among universities looking to generate revenue to support their sports programs. In a competitive collegiate landscape, having the resources to invest in facilities, recruiting, and program support is crucial for success. The University of Arizona's deals demonstrate creative ways to monetize opportunities and protect the financial health and competitiveness of the school's athletics.

The details

The University of Arizona has secured a $60 million, 20-year naming rights agreement for its football stadium, which is now called Casino Del Sol Stadium. The basketball arena has been renamed the McKale Center at ALKEME Arena through a nearly $28 million, 15-year deal. Additionally, Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois has sold the naming rights to her own title, becoming the R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics. In total, the university has generated $88 million through these naming rights agreements.

  • The football stadium naming rights deal is for 20 years.
  • The basketball arena naming rights deal is for 15 years.

The players

Desireé Reed-Francois

The University of Arizona's Athletic Director, who has secured the naming rights deals and also sold the naming rights to her own title.

Casino Del Sol

The casino that has secured the naming rights to the University of Arizona's football stadium, now called Casino Del Sol Stadium.

ALKEME

The company that has secured the naming rights to the University of Arizona's basketball arena, now called the McKale Center at ALKEME Arena.

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What they’re saying

“Sixty million dollars for a name on a building that was already there. That's not selling out — that's selling smart.”

— Ray Lindstrom, University of Arizona alumnus (tucson.com)

“She isn't erasing tradition — she's monetizing opportunity. She's shaking the money tree in ways that protect the university's financial health and competitive future.”

— Ray Lindstrom, University of Arizona alumnus (tucson.com)

What’s next

The University of Arizona will continue to explore additional corporate partnerships and naming rights opportunities to support its athletic programs.

The takeaway

The University of Arizona's creative approach to generating revenue through naming rights deals demonstrates how universities can leverage corporate partnerships to fund competitive sports programs and protect their financial futures, even if it means evolving traditions.