Houston Astros strike Daikin ballpark naming rights deal
Air conditioner manufacturer replaces Minute Maid as part of a new 15-year deal.
Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Houston Astros have announced a 15-year naming rights partnership with air conditioner manufacturer Daikin.
Contract:
- Astros’ ballpark to be renamed as Daikin Park from 1st January 2025 onwards until 2039
- Partnership also to include community initiatives and prominent signage
- Current ballpark naming rights partner Minute Maid to remain a team sponsor through 2029
Context:
The Astros’ home has been named Minute Maid Park since June 2002, thanks to a 28-year US$100 million deal. Minute Maid had itself replaced Enron, which initially signed a 30-year pact worth US$100 million in 2000 before going bankrupt a a year later.
According to the Houston Chronicle, both the franchise and drinks brand mutually decided to find a replacement naming rights partner, and that the Astros did not have to buy out the remainder of the deal. No financial terms were disclosed for the deal with Daikin, whose North American headquarters is in the greater Houston area.
Comment:
“We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights,” said Jim Crane, owner and chairman of the Astros. “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the greater Houston area its North American home.
“The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”
Coming next:
The first regular season game at the renamed venue will take place on 27th March, when the Astros host the New York Mets.
Astros Owner: Alex Bregman Backup Options Being Explored in FA amid Contract Talks
Houston Astros owner Jim Crane is discussing the future of third baseman Alex Bregman and whether the team will be “exploring” backup options, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic.
The owner mentioned that he had spoken with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, earlier in the negotiations but has since left the discussions primarily to general manager Dana Brown.
“We all know Scott. He’s going to do the best he can to get the most money for him if it’s a place he wants to go,” Crane said. “But, at some point we’d have to make a decision. We’re looking now as a backup and we’re exploring all the options. That’s what’s happening now.”
Crane acknowledged that there is “nothing to report yet” regarding updates in the negotiations, but Boras and Brown have been “visiting frequently,” with “productive” conversations taking place.
Bregman has emerged as a leader for the Houston Astros, winning two World Series titles with the franchise in 2017 and 2022.
At the conclusion of the Houston Astros’ 2024 season, where they finished with an 88-73 record, the usually reserved José Altuve practically demanded that the club re-sign Bregman, according to Rome.
“We told him we were going to make a strong effort to get it done and we’d do our best,” Crane said. “It carries some weight with me and carries some weight with Dana.”
The 30-year-old has spent all nine of his major-league seasons with the Astros, making his debut with the team in 2016. Bregman boasts a .272 career batting average, along with 663 RBI and 191 home runs.
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