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Sydney Opera House Set To Charge Sports Teams $50k To Use Landmark In Their Logos

Sydney Opera House Set To Charge Sports Teams $50k To Use Landmark In Their Logos

Teams using the iconic Aussie landmark in their logos, jerseys and merchandise will either have to cough up $50k or completely rebrand.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

The Sydney Opera House Trust is planning on charging sports teams $50,000 to use the image of the Aussie landmark on their logos, jerseys and merchandise.

In the past, teams and organisations had to pay a small fee of $1000 to feature the iconic building, but that is set to change with the Trust's latest ideas.

The Sydney Opera House.
PA

The plans would ultimately impact a number fo Sydney's sporting teams including the Sydney Roosters (NRL), Sydney Swans (AFL), Sydney FC (A-League) and Sydney Kings (NBL) who would all have to either fork out the $50k or completely rebrand.

And while the professional teams could probably afford to cough up the five-figure asking price, it's the thousands of semi-professional and grassroots teams across New South Wales that would suffer greatly.

The Sydney Swans' iconic jersey and logo.
Sydney Swans

Given its poor timing (with businesses struggling with the coronavirus pandemic) and extreme nature, it was hardly surprising when news of the Trust's drastic plans sparked outrage among Sydneysiders and sports fans.

But despite the backlash, the Sydney Opera House Trust have backed their decision to increase the fees.

In a statement released to 2GB, they said: "Since mid-2019, we have undertaken negotiations regarding a new trade mark licence agreement with the NBL.

James Tedesco.
Sydney Roosters

"In light of the current economic climate and our long-standing relationship with the Sydney Kings, the Opera House offered a reduced fee over a shorter three-year period.

"Unfortunately, there was no response from the NBL to this offer despite a number of attempts to follow up.

"Financial arrangements with our partners are commercial in confidence. However, the reported $50K annual licence fee does not reflect the latest reduced offer made to the NBL.

"The Opera House is a valued community asset and the iconic sails have become a globally-recognised brand.

"As a not-for-profit organisation, we need to balance our support for other cultural entities with safeguarding one of our most valuable assets."

Featured Image Credit: Twitter

Topics: afl, Basketball, Aussie Rules Football, Football, A-League, Sports, Rugby League, nrl, Australia,