00:00It was early in 2024 that The Athletic reported on Aston Villa's interest in pursuing stadium
00:07and naming rights.
00:09Then-President of Business Operations Chris Hecht select the push for a high-profile big
00:13brand partner to rename Villa Park.
00:17Global across multiple industries, but no agreement was reached before Hecht's departure
00:22in May 2025.
00:24Hecht's brief was clear.
00:25Overall commercial streams and secure long-term sustainable growth.
00:30Villa cut ties with Castor for Adidas and ended their front-of-shirt deal with BHK8 two years
00:36early.
00:37Both changes brought financial improvements, with commercial income growing by £24.2 million
00:43in two years.
00:45In 2023-24, Villa recorded £275 million in revenue and featured for £300 million in 2024-25
00:54after their Champions League quarter-final run.
00:57Stadium naming rights could deliver a financial breakthrough.
01:02Everton's deal with Hill Dickinson, worth up to £10 million a year, sets a benchmark.
01:07Hecht said last season that steep tipping prices, £70 for the cheapest Champions League seat,
01:13were a result of needing to comply with profit and sustainability rules.
01:17Supporters Trust Boss said naming rights should be discussed if they help Villa invest and comply
01:23with financial rules.
01:25But if sacrificing identity doesn't deliver clear success, what was it all for, he asked.
01:31Villa Park has never been officially renamed since 1897.
01:36Fans feel a strong emotional collection to its rich history.
01:39Yet over £30,000 on the season ticket waiting list, redevelopment is essential.
01:44Plans are in place to expand to 50,000 seats before Euro 2028, a tournament where Villa Park
01:50will host matches.
01:51Villa's revenue still trails rivals like West Ham and Newcastle.
01:55With no sponsor yet for Bodymore Heath or the Training Kids, fresh partnerships will be
02:00a key focus for incoming executives.
02:03A sponsor named Pitch at Villa Park could preserve tradition, says supporter Michael.
02:08The danger isn't just commercialisation, it's losing what makes the club special.
02:14The danger isn't Uncompanish.
02:16This is a big focus for frontline people here, but it's like a community in the community.
02:19But if you want to be a leader with a chain of insurance, the name doesn't simply
02:22suported, you're not Moss who'sカップ.
02:23You've got a hooks in front of a year, but you're not a couple of you.
02:25But if you want to be a member of the company, you're going to be a leader with a
02:26group with a number of you.
02:27You want to be a member of the team.
02:29The player who's a leader with the team?
02:30The team who's a leader with the team.
02:32I've been in front of an event for a trip to that use.
02:35I'll be a leader, group of a leader.
02:36And the team will be a leader with him.
02:38I'll be a leader with the chief of the team.
Comments