Blog

Posted by WJCT Senior Staff Reporter Kevin Meerschaert.

Jacksonville city officials say they don’t have much of a problem giving up a 25-percent share of the proceeds in the naming rights of Everbank Field.
They’re more concerned about the future viability of the Jaguars in Jacksonville.
Last year the city and the Jaguars agreed upon the 75-25 split for any upcoming naming rights deal.
But now officials say they’re willing to waive the split if it’ll help keep the team in town. 
The five-year, 16-point 6 million dollar naming rights deal between the Jaguars and Everbank was announced on Tuesday to great fanfare with several city council members on hand for the festivities.
Council President Jack Webb says the city won’t be paying for the new signage so the deal is revenue neutral.
He says the city wouldn’t be getting any money if the stadium continued to be without a corporate sponsor.
Webb says “25-percent of nothing is still nothing” He says The city and the Jaguars have a special relationship and he want to do what he can to ensure the team future is secure for decades to come.  
Webb says the City Council Finance Committee will vote next week on the deal along with waiving the 25-percent payment.
He expects the full council will approve the deal at it’s August 10th meeting.