With discussions to sell the franchise still unfolding, the Miami Marlins are holding off on completing the sale of naming rights for Marlins Park.
It has been apparent in recent months that the Marlins are on the block, as owner Jeffrey Loria is looking to sell the franchise. Multiple groups and individuals have been reported as prospective buyers, but nothing has come to fruition at this point.
Meanwhile, there has also been more focus on whether the Marlins will sell the naming rights to Marlins Park. The facility opened in 2012, and has not had a corporate partner in its name at any point in its history. With Marlins Park set to host this summer’s All-Star Game, however, it was believed that the Marlins could complete a naming rights agreement at some point this season.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Marlins president David Samson confirmed that discussions about a sale of the franchise are taking place. As those talks unfold, the Marlins are stepping back from their effort to secure a naming rights agreement. More from the Sun-Sentinel:
Samson said as recently as mid-February that he believed July’s All-Star Game in Miami would be played at the ballpark under a different name. That is no longer the case.
“I’d say it’s very likely the All-Star Game will be at Marlins Park,” Samson said. “Things changed that I didn’t anticipate when I said that before.
“We’ve taken a step back from [pursuing naming-rights sale]. Given the process we’re under, it’s sort of a big, long-term decision to make. It’s Jeffrey’s decision to make because he’s the owner, but I think he recognizes that with not wanting to tie down, make a decision for 10, 15 years at this point, when you’re in the fourth inning [of a potential sale]. If the result is different than what we anticipate right now, then we’d be back, ready to announce it.”
Samson did not confirm the names of any interested buyers in the franchise. Derek Jeter and Jeb Bush are among the notable individuals to have been linked to a potential purchase of the Marlins in recent weeks.