USA Today via Reuters
Dec 7, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (left) is defended by Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (right) in the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 7, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (left) is defended by Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (right) in the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
For almost two decades, the Staples Center has been home to many teams from Los Angeles: notably, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers from NBA, and the Sparks from the WNBA. It is time to say farewell to the old name of this imposing arena.
According to reports, a deal was made by a company called Crypto.com, which paid $700 million for the naming rights of the same.
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ESPN states that the final contract between Crypto.com and AEG will remain confidential. It is believed that this is perhaps the most expensive deal with respect to naming rights in sports.
Los Angeles Lakers fans are heartbroken
The Lakers announced a list of events they will hold to celebrate Staples Center’s time in the NBA. It will feature a tribute video, a commemorative t-shirt, legendary players for the halftime celebration, a commemorative ticket for the fans, and a banner showing “22 Years of Lakers History at Staples Center.”
Some news for tomorrow's game vs the Spurs: The Lakers are saying goodbye to Staples Center pic.twitter.com/BloZdSS6yq
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) December 22, 2021
Staples Center – the iconic home of the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers among others since 1999 – will have a new name beginning Dec. 25: https://t.co/lur8Hbuv0r Arena. It’s believed to be the largest U.S. venue naming rights deal to date.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 17, 2021
Considering how the Lakers have been associated with the Staples Center, this change may have an impact on them. The fact that they won six championships in that arena has made it their talisman of sorts.
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In 2020, the Lakers returned to Staples to celebrate their championship, even though they won it in Florida. It will be a very different experience for the LA Lakers from now.
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As reported in the New York Times, the contract has a length of approximately 20 years. Sadly, the arena’s sign has been ripped down and replaced with Crypto.com. It has been reported that the format and renovation of the new sign are en route along with a new color scheme to make it more visible. Even though it might appear different at first, the fans have no choice, particularly after the contract has been confirmed.
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Certainly, this feels like the end of an era especially for all the Lakers fans out there.
