“The Rumor” – RBNY Selling Team?

By: Dave Martinez | April 14th, 2009

I had a few e-mails on the topic of “The Rumor.” For those living in a cave, Metrofanatic has posted up a rumor, where one of their most infallible sources is claiming Red Bull has the team on the market. The rumor specifically charges Red Bull with wanting to sell the team but keep the name of the property at Red Bull Arena. The ownership of the stadium itself is still in question. And mind you, this is all speculation.

Classic. And frankly, believable, since the value of Red Bull Arena as the crowning jewel of this franchise would make a deal for a potential owner more appealing. Mind you; Metrofanatic has never been one to perpetrate rumors and hearsay on their site unless they have solid proof to substantiate the claim. They are so sure in what they are charging, that they have put themselves out there in an attempt to get the word out. Meanwhile, everyone from myself, to Ives to MLS-Rumors haven’t touched the topic with a ten foot poll.

In fact, Brian Lewis is the only person in the “main stream” who covered this to any extent. And much like Brian Lewis, I have been getting a bunch of “no”s on the topic from my sources as well.

Now, it doesnt mean MF is wrong; in fact, their source has been correct in the past, predicting the sale of the Metrostars to Red Bulls just 4 years ago. It just further highlights the fact that this story continues to be strictly rumor.

Share your thoughts. Are the rumors substantiated? And how does this make you, the fans of Red Bull, feel about the teams current standing? Does this just compound on a negative season? Or are you relieved that the teams ownership will be in transition?

Some Related Red Bulls Posts:

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Josh

Hi, and I agree with all the rest. Let them keep the naming rights to the stadium I don't care about that. It's the fact that an energy drink is plastered all over a sporting clubs jersey. I'd rather them been called h20 then The New York REDBULL... Bring back the *MetroStars* name!
Dave Martinez

MS: Never? I have no problem with the logo, the jerseys etc. - I am not an RB hater and realize that this is all pure business. But almost every concert I go to, they ask me if I am with Red Bull. Constantly. Maybe that is where they most advertise the drink? Who knows. But it has happened to me on a consistent basis.

Not like it matters. I would always be asked "Why are you wearing a PEPSI shirt?" whenever I was sporting my Boca gear. Just ignorance is all.
London Metro

I would love to see us called MetroStars again, the fact that Red Bull used their name in the teams name just shows their 'ego' and not a love of MLS/NYC footie. They shoulda just done the sponsor owner name deal in the first place. I hope this rumour is true, I sincerely do.
In Metro We Trust.
MetroStone

Except that if they are still the shirt sponsor, only the badge and colors may change. You will still have the bulls and sun stamped in the middle.

3 years sporting a RB jersey in public, not once has anyone mistaken me for a RB employee. Only comments on the shirt were from other MLS fans who recognized the team jersey.
Mike

If they do sell, bring back the metrostars, then maybe people will stop asking me what teams jersey im wearing when i rock the old school kits.
nolayuprule

makes me wanna puke.

as if it wasnt bad enough having them as a corporate owner with their stupid logo on everything now my gear is gonna be useless because that same stupid logo wont even be relevant

uggg
Dave Martinez

Matt - do you have any idea how many times, on the way to the events, especially living in New York, I am asked if I WORK for Red Bull?!
Matt Conroy

I could see this happening, but am skeptical that there is actually anything in the works right now.

Red Bull gets its naming rights on the arena, remains as the club shirt sponsor and strikes some sort of long-term lease agreement with the club. Meanwhile, fans get a more sensible name and perhaps an owner who is committed to putting a winner on the field.

Let's face it. The Red Bull club name causes confusion more than anything else. When walking around in club gear, I've had people ask me if I worked for Red Bull, if I liked to drink the stuff (I don't), or is I'd been given a free shirt as some corporate giveaway. The fact that RB owns a soccer team in MLS has barely penetrated the market at all and when it has, for the most part it has turned people off. Time for a re-think.