Mizzou Looking to Sell Naming Rights to Memorial Stadium

University of Missouri seeking corporate partner to rename historic football venue

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The University of Missouri athletics department announced it is 'moving forward' to secure a partnership that would allow for the naming rights of Memorial Stadium, home of the Missouri Tigers football team. If a deal is reached, the 'Memorial' designation would be removed from the stadium's name, though the university plans to still honor the original dedication to students and alumni who died in World War I.

Why it matters

Selling naming rights to college sports venues has become increasingly common, with Vanderbilt and Kentucky having already done so in the SEC conference. This move by Mizzou reflects the broader trend of universities seeking new revenue streams to invest in their athletic programs and facilities.

The details

Memorial Stadium has held its current name since opening in 1926, when it was dedicated to University of Missouri students and alumni who died in World War I. The athletics department says it is looking for ways to still honor this original dedication if a corporate naming rights deal is reached. Missouri would become the third SEC football stadium to include corporate branding, following Vanderbilt's 10-year deal with FirstBank in 2022 and Kentucky's 12-year agreement with Kroger in 2017. The search for a naming rights partner comes as Mizzou is completing a $250 million upgrade project on the stadium ahead of its 100th year of use in 2026.

  • Memorial Stadium has held its current name since opening in 1926.
  • Vanderbilt sold its naming rights to FirstBank on a 10-year agreement in 2022.
  • Kentucky sold its naming rights to Kroger on a 12-year agreement in 2017.
  • Mizzou's $250 million stadium upgrade project is set to be complete ahead of the 2026 season, the stadium's 100th year of use.

The players

Mizzou Athletics

The athletics department of the University of Missouri, which oversees the Missouri Tigers football team and is seeking a corporate naming rights partner for Memorial Stadium.

Laird Veatch

The Director of Athletics at the University of Missouri, who stated that securing naming rights reflects the department's 'Will to Win' and commitment to investing in the program's ability to recruit, retain and compete for championships.

Vanderbilt

The SEC university that sold the naming rights to its football stadium to FirstBank in 2022 on a 10-year agreement.

Kentucky

The SEC university that sold the naming rights to its football stadium to Kroger in 2017 on a 12-year agreement.

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What they’re saying

“This is another incredible opportunity to position Mizzou Athletics for the future. Memorial Stadium enters its second century as college athletics continues to evolve rapidly. Securing naming rights reflects our 'Will to Win,' which includes a commitment to investing aggressively in our ability to recruit, retain and compete to win championships, while also being thoughtful and intentional in honoring our past.”

— Laird Veatch, Director of Athletics, University of Missouri (si.com)

What’s next

The University of Missouri athletics department is actively seeking a corporate partner to secure the naming rights for Memorial Stadium, with the goal of having a deal in place before the start of the 2026 season, which will mark the stadium's 100th year of use.

The takeaway

The move by the University of Missouri to sell the naming rights to Memorial Stadium reflects the broader trend in college athletics of universities seeking new revenue streams to invest in their programs and facilities. While the 'Memorial' designation will be removed, the university plans to still honor the original dedication of the stadium to those who died in World War I, underscoring the balance between honoring tradition and adapting to the modern realities of college sports.