New York Red Bulls in talks with potential sports betting partners ahead of 2019 season.

According to report in US sports business media, MLS club the New York Red Bulls are in talks with potential sports betting partners.

Though Major League Soccer (MLS) does not allow sports betting partnerships at the moment, the league is said to be reconsidering its policies before next year’s season kicks off.

Potential areas of sponsorship being discussed are said to include stadium naming rights.

New York Red Bulls General Manager, Marc de Grandpre, is quoted as saying:

“If we can find a partner or partners that can help us enhance our fan experience through gambling, we’re willing to have a conversation.”

To clear up any potential confusion, the New York Red Bulls home stadium, the Red Bull Arena, is actually located in Harrison, New Jersey, not New York – the first state to legalise sports betting in the post-PASPA United States.

According to industry sources, the stadium naming rights could be worth somewhere in the region of $4 million per year. In terms of other sponsorship opportunities, Red Bull already have the club’s jersey, but sleeve deals are a possibility.

Professional sports teams and leagues across the United States are rapidly embracing sports betting partners, with recent deals including the NBA signing an agreement with the French national lottery (more here),  MGM partnering with both the New York Jets (more here) and the NHL (more here), and William Hill teaming up with the New Jersey Devils (full details here).